Peachtree – Cherokee County Schools has named Jason Forrister principal at the Schools of Innovation & Technology, overseeing both Tri-County Early College High School and The Oaks Academy, while Carmen Garland has been named principal of Peachtree Elementary School.
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Forrister got his start as a student in “transformative classrooms” at Ranger Elementary and Murphy High schools. Graduating from Western Carolina University in 1999 as a N.C. Teaching Fellow, he began his teaching career at Murphy High.
After taking a short break from teaching to pursue a master’s degree in New Orleans, he returned to Murphy High as an English, French and global studies teacher until being named assistant principal and then principal. In January 2021, he joined the faculty and staff of Tri-County Early College as principal.
Last year, with the opening of the brand new Cherokee County Schools of Innovation, Forrister said he “experienced the promise this new facility with its programs offers the students of Cherokee County.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with all students who will attend school at CCSI. The faculty, staff, and administration of the Cherokee County Schools of Innovation commit to providing an engaging, nurturing learning environment, where students have many opportunities to realize the true potential they possess and to prepare for rewarding futures. I eagerly look forward to celebrating the students’ successes this year,” Forrister said.
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A graduate of Murphy High School, Garland earned her bachelor of science degree in biology from Western Carolina University. She began a technologist career before pursuing her master of arts degree in teaching from East Tennessee State University.
Garland’s educational journey began at Hiwassee Dam and Ranger elementary/middle schools. She later earned National Board Certification and an administrative degree, leading to a diverse teaching career that included roles as academically to intellectually gifted specialist and instructional coach.
Her career took her to Whiteville, where she served as a central office director, then to Georgia, where she held a similar role. Two years ago, Garland returned to Cherokee County as principal of The Oaks Academy.
Outside of her professional life, Garland is married to longtime educator Kenny Garland and is the mother of two sons, Lucas and Camden, and daughter-in-law Sarah Kate.