MADISON – Dr. Kerry Donaldson, Principal at James Clemens High School, has received a statewide honor with his selection as “Alabama PTA Principal of the Year.”

The honor of Alabama PTA Principal of the Year recognizes an outstanding administrator in the state who has made significant contributions to his or her school and community.

Alabama PTA recognizes educators who put forth special effort to collaborate with parents, teachers, other principals and the district’s superintendent. The award recipient has demonstrated exemplary contributions to the profession. (alabamapta.org)

Donaldson received an associate’s degree at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Athens State University. At the University of North Alabama, he completed both a master’s degree and an education specialist degree in instructional leadership. In that same study, Donaldson received a doctorate’s degree at Samford University.

His career as an educator began at Athens Middle School as a health and physical education teacher; he coached basketball for eight years and football for four years. Donaldson served as an adjunct instructor at Athens State for six years.

During the 2018-2019 school year, Donaldson accepted employment with Madison City Schools at James Clemens High School. He was principal for RISE Academy (RISE represents “Restore, Inspire, Support, Encourage.”) at James Clemens. He later worked as Assistant Principal at James Clemens.

When the principalship opened at James Clemens, Donaldson worked as Interim Principal. The search for a new principal ultimately led to Donaldson’s hiring.

When Donaldson was named principal at James Clemens, Dr. Ed Nichols, Superintendent of Madison City Schools, told Madison Board of Education members that Donaldson “did a tremendous job serving as interim principal, as administrator of RISE Academy and assistant principal. He is enthusiastic and he brings vibrancy but he also is as humble as they come.”

A native of Nashville, Tenn., Donaldson played college basketball at Chattanooga State and Athens State. He and wife Jacquelynn live in Athens.