VALDOSTA — On Monday, April 13 at the regular Valdosta Board of Education meeting, Valdosta City Schools named three new principals. Kevin Daw has been named the new principal for S. L. Mason Elementary School, Royce Thomas will be the new principal for Pinevale Elementary School and Dr. LaConya McCrae has been named the new principal for J. L. Lomax Elementary School.
Kevin Daw is currently an assistant principal at J. L. Newbern Middle School. He has served in that role since August of 2012. Prior to becoming an assistant principal, Daw worked in elementary schools throughout the system in both fourth and fifth grades as a classroom teacher. He was chosen as the Teacher of the Year for J. L. Lomax Elementary School during his last year serving as a classroom teacher. His entire educational career has been in Valdosta City Schools, which began in 2005. Before becoming an educator, Mr. Daw served in the United States Military.
Royce Thomas is currently an assistant principal at J. L. Newbern Middle School. He has served in the role since August of 2012. Prior to coming to J. L. Newbern, Thomas served as an assistant principal for Horne Learning Center and Valdosta High School. He began his career in 2003 with Valdosta City Schools as a seventh grade science teacher at J. L. Newbern Middle School. He’s also served as the athletic director, head football coach, basketball and soccer coach for J. L. Newbern Middle School.
Dr. LaConya McCrae is currently the assistant principal of J. L. Lomax Elementary School where she will be promoted to principal. McCrae has served in this role since August of 2012. Prior to coming to J. L. Lomax she served as an assistant principal and school improvement specialist at J. L. Newbern Middle School, instructional lead teacher at Southeast Elementary and a classroom teacher at Southeast Elementary. McCrae came to Valdosta City Schools in 2004 from Tift County Schools where she served as a fifth grade teacher.
Each of these administrators will begin the transition into their new positions over the summer. For more information about each of these elementary schools or the new principals, please contact Jennifer Steedley, director of public relations at (229) 671-6065.
Jennifer Steedley
Director of Public Relations
Valdosta City Schools
