Gwinnett BOE approves new appointments at October Board Meeting

     During its regularly scheduled meeting on October 16, 2025, the Gwinnett County Board of Education (BOE) approved the appointment of two new principals. Wendy C. McDonald has been named principal at Gwin Oaks Elementary School. She replaces Dr. Craig Barlow, who is retiring. McDonald currently serves as Assistant Principal at Trickum Middle School. Additionally, Alex “Hunter” H. McRae has been named principal at Jordan Middle School. He replaces Melissa M. Miller, who has been named principal at Bay Creek Middle School. McRae currently serves as Assistant Director of Community Schools in the Division of School Improvement and Operations.

Wendy C. McDonald, Principal, Gwin Oaks Elementary School

GCPS Employment:               

                                                                                               

2019-Present                 Assistant Principal, Trickum Middle School

2017-2019                      Local School Technology                 
                                       Coordinator, Jordan Middle School

2015-2017                      eCLASS Instructional Specialist, Division
                                       of Teaching and Learning

2012-2015                      Teacher, Benefield Elementary School

2011-2012                      Teacher, Nesbit Elementary School

2009-2011                      Teacher, Starling Elementary School

2005-2009                      Teacher, Hopkins Elementary School

2003-2005                      Teacher, W. Smith Elementary School, St. Bernard Parish Public
                                       Schools, Louisiana

 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History – University of Georgia

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education – University of Georgia

Specialist degree in Language and Literacy— University of Georgia

 

McDonald is a graduate of the 2025 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program, Cohort 17, and the 2020 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Leader Program, Cohort 11.

 

Alex “Hunter” H. McRae, Principal, Jordan Middle School

GCPS Employment:                   

                                                                                              

2022-Present                 Assistant Director of Community-Based Mentoring, Division of School
                                      Improvement and Operations

2021-2022                     Assistant Principal, Twin Rivers Middle School

2013-2021                     Assistant Principal, North Gwinnett Middle School

2009-2013                     Teacher, North Gwinnett Middle School

2003-2009                     Teacher, Lanier Middle School

2000-2003                     Teacher, Collins Hill High School

1999-2000                     Teacher, Kempner High, Fort Bend ISD, Texas

 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Music Education – University of Georgia

Master’s degree in Educational Leadership– Walden University

Specialist degree in Educational Leadership—University of West Georgia

McRae is a graduate of the 2023 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program, Cohort 16, and the 2013 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Leader Program, Cohort 4.