New principal, special programs director named

COLDSPRING -- Lincoln Junior High principal, Andrea Seale, has been named director of special programs for Coldspring- Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District, announces LaTonya Goffney, superintendent. LJH assistant principal, Penny Spivey, will move into the position of principal, Goffney adds. The leadership change follows the resignation of current special programs director, Donna Azodi, Ed.D., who is leaving COCISD to take a position at Region IV in Houston. Changes are effective immediately. In a letter to LJH parents, Goffney wrote, “(Dr. Azodi) has worked tirelessly to improve our District. Although we are saddened by her departure, we are proud of her accomplishments.” Special programs responsibilities include management of the following educational services: dsylexia, gifted and talented, 504, and all title programs and grants. Seale is no stranger to the position. She was previously employeed as executive director of curriculum instruction and special programs in Huntsville ISD.

She began her career in edu-cation almost 20 years ago as an English teacher for Winona ISD. She holds a bachelor of science in secondary education from the University of Texas at Tyler and a master of education – mid-management from Stephen F. Austin State University. Seale joined COCISD last school year as LJH principal. Spivey began her educational career 17 years ago as a junior high language arts teacher for Huntsville ISD. She joined COCISD five years ago as a counselor for Coldspring Intermediate School. Spivey holds both a bachelor of arts in education and a master of education from SHSU. Last Spring, she earned her principal’s certification. Spivey says, “I’m very excited about the opportunity to serve as Lincoln Junior High’s principal. I feel that I am stepping in at a great time. Our campus is experiencing success and I want to continue down that same road.” Likewise, Seale comments, “I will miss being at LJH, where there are excellent staff members, wonderful students, and a lot of energy.” She adds, “There is also a great team at the Central Office providing our District needed support to fulfill its mission everyday. I’m excited to become part of that team and to continue to build our special program services.”