MADISON – A new principal will guide students when they return to campus at Horizon Elementary School.

Madison Board of Education has selected Demetria Freeman to lead Horizon. Freeman has been working as Assistant Principal at Madison Elementary School. Horizon’s former principal, Rodney Richardson, recently retired.

Freeman was interested in the opening because she can continue to positively impact students and teachers but on a larger scale. “I believe I have what it takes to take Horizon elementary to the next level of greatness while continuing the traditions that are already in place,” she said.

“Horizon is a hidden gem within Madison City Schools. I’m honored to serve our students, faculty and community in this new role,” Freeman said.

Freeman’s duties as principal will mirror her work as assistant principal at Heritage. “Just a different location. I’ll continue to work hard to build relationships with everyone that enters the doors of Horizon,” she said.

Freeman will work hard “to build teacher capacity and improve student growth. Being present and listening to the needs and concerns of our students, faculty and community will be at the forefront of my responsibilities as Principal.”

Previously, she worked at Heritage Elementary School as special education teacher, reading coach and school counselor. She served as Assistant Principal at Rainbow Elementary School before working in that same capacity at Madison elementary.

At Alabama A&M University, Freeman earned a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and a master’s degree in special education. She received a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of West Alabama, Educational Specialist status in administration and supervision from Middle Tennessee State University and certification in Instructional Leadership from acksonville State University.

For this school year, Freeman doesn’t expect any major changes at Horizon. “I want to learn the lay of the land and get a feel of how everything operates in the building,” she said.

One familiar face will be Wendy Pharo, who’s Assistant Principal at Horizon. “I’m ecstatic to work with Wendy in this capacity. We previously worked together at Heritage,” Freeman said.

Demetria’s husband, Henry Freeman, works as a firefighter for the City of Huntsville. The Freemans have eight-year-old twin boys in second grade.

Away from work, Demetria loves to bake cakes. She plans to enroll in cake decorating classes to perfect her craft. Demetria also loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.