During its regularly scheduled meeting on January 16, 2025, the Gwinnett County Board of Education (BOE) approved the appointment of a new principal. Chi Ethridge has been named the new principal at Cooper Elementary School. Ethridge currently serves as Director of Special Education in the Division of Teaching and Learning. She replaces Paul Willis, who is retiring.

Chi K Ethridge, Principal, Cooper Elementary School:

GCPS Employment: 

2022-Present                     Director, Special Education in Division of Teaching and Learning 
 

2019-2022                          Assistant Principal, Rock Springs Elementary School 
 

2018-2019                          Teacher, Creekland Middle School 

 

Other Employment: 

2012-2018                        Middle School Principal, Chippewa Hills School District (Mich.) 
 

2006-2012                        Elementary School Principal, Chippewa Hills School District (Mich.) 

2003-2006                        Assistant Principal, Chippewa Hills School District (Mich.) 

2001-2003                        Teacher, Chippewa Hills School District (Mich.) 

2000-2001                       Teacher, Midland Public Schools (Mich.) 
 

1998-2000                       Teacher, Hazel Park Schools (Mich.) 

 

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education—Central Michigan University 

Master’s degree in Educational Administration—Central Michigan University 

Specialist degree in Educational Leadership—Saginaw Valley State University 
 

Ethridge is a graduate of the 2023 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program, Cohort 16, and member of the 2020 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Leader Program, Cohort 11.