The principal of Smokey Road Middle School in Newnan, Laurie Barron, has been named the middle school principal of the year by MetLife and the National Association of Middle School Principals.
Barron played a major role in turning around Smokey Road Middle School since she became principal in 2004. She became the fourth principal to run the school in five years.
She was credited with improving what had been rampant discipline problems, high absenteeism and low student achievement at the school.
The award was announced Tuesday at an assembly attended by students, teachers, district staff members, and representatives from the Georgia Department of Education and the governor's office.