Henry County Board of Education Approves Appointment of Dr. LaTonya Richards as New Principal of Union Grove High School
HENRY COUNTY, GA – The Henry County Board of Education announced the appointment of Dr. LaTonya Richards as the new principal of Union Grove High School during its June 10 business meeting.
“I am deeply honored to join this remarkable community,” Dr. Richards said. “Union Grove High School has a rich legacy of academic excellence, community engagement, and student empowerment. It is my sincere commitment to uphold these values and build upon them.”
Dr. Richards’ background includes six years as a principal, as well as prior experience at Union Grove High School as an assistant principal from 2009-2018. Her accomplishments as a school leader include top honors in student achievement and state testing, in addition to proven expertise in staff development and school improvement.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Richards as the new principal of Union Grove High School,” said Chief School Leadership Officer Mary Ann Suddeth. “Her dedication to providing students with a well-rounded education aligns with our commitment to empowering every student with exceptional opportunities and access, and we look forward to the impact she will make in our district.”
Dr. Richards’ more than 24 years of experience in education also include eight years in the classroom as a high school English teacher.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Teaching in secondary education, both from the University of South Carolina, leadership certification from the University of Georgia, as well as an Education Specialist and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and administration, both from Liberty University.
“Dr. Richards’ dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment mirrors the district’s values and reinforces our mission to equip every student for success,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Carl Knowlton. “Her strengths as a leader go hand in hand with our desire to promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement at Union Grove High School and all Henry County Schools.”
“My passion lies in creating a nurturing and inclusive space where students feel seen, heard, and valued,” Dr. Richards added. “As we embark on this exciting journey together, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity to serve.”
Dr. Richards officially began her tenure at Union Grove High School on July 1 in preparation for the start of the 2024-2025 school year on Aug. 1.
About Henry County Schools
Henry County Schools (HCS) is the eighth-largest school district in Georgia, consisting of 52 schools, including two academies, located about 20 minutes south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Over the past 20 years, our community has grown in population from 113,000 residents to over 244,000 residents. Since 1999, student enrollment has grown from 21,000 to 43,000 students, and our number of employees has grown from 3,000 to 6,000.
HCS is “In Pursuit of Exceptional,” taking action to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes so that every student in our school district has Exceptional Support, Exceptional Access, and an Exceptional Future. In 2020, our Board of Education adopted our 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and laid out a clear vision and mission for Henry County Schools. Our vision is to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student, and our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.
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