Oconee High alum will be the school's next principal

The Oconee County School Board, meeting this week in Watkinsville, gives unanimous approval to the appointment of Matt Stephens as the next Principal of Oconee County High School and Peter Adams as the new Chief Financial Officer for Oconee County Schools.

From the OCS website…

The Oconee County Board of Education on Monday unanimously approved Matt Stephens as the next Principal of Oconee County High School and Peter Adams as the new Chief Financial Officer for Oconee County Schools.

A 2001 OCHS graduate, Stephens currently serves as Principal for Oconee County Middle School. He will succeed Dr. Kevin Yancey, who was named the OCS Director of Student Services last month. Adams, a Watkinsville resident, is an administrator for the Georgia Department of Corrections.

“We are pleased to announce these individuals for leadership positions with Oconee County Schools,” Superintendent Jason L. Branch said. “Mr. Stephens is a proven leader who will nurture a legacy of success, engagement, and school pride in his OCHS homecoming. Mr. Adams has roots in Oconee, which underscores his commitment to the district and the community. For nearly a decade, Dr. Yancey has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the success and well-being of our students. We are excited about the unique contributions these gentlemen will make.”

Stephens is completing his second year as the Principal of Oconee County Middle School after five years as the Assistant Principal. Stephens additionally has served the district as Alternative School Director, Grades 9-12 Summer School Director, Special Education Inclusion Teacher, and Coach (baseball, fast-pitch softball, basketball, and golf).

He and his wife, Megan, have three children – Hudson, a 10th grader at OCHS; Audrey, a seventh grader at OCMS; and Garrett, a second grader at Oconee County Primary School. Megan, who is also an OCHS graduate, was named Teacher of the Year for OCES for 2023-24.

“I am honored and humbled beyond measure to be trusted to continue the work Dr. Yancey has led for the last several years,” Stephens said. “I count it a privilege to join the team of educators who work tirelessly and selflessly every day to serve the next generations at OCHS. I look forward to collaborating with the teachers, staff, and stakeholders to continue the standard of excellence that our community deserves.”

Adams has worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections since 2015 and currently serves as the Deputy Director of Administration and Finance and as Assistant Commissioner. He also has worked for the Georgia Department of Public Safety as CFO and Budget Director and for the Office of Economic Development with the Board of Regents as Business Manager. He and his wife, Kari, have three children: Reilly, Alex, and Megan.

“I am so appreciative of this opportunity at this stage of my career,” said Adams, who is succeeding the retiring LaWanda Hankins. “We moved to Oconee County a year ago and immediately fell in love with it. The schools have an excellent reputation and are supported by a strong community.”

Yancey has served as the OCHS Principal since 2020. He previously spent five years as Assistant Principal and Director of Athletics. He will be succeeding Tamara Goforth as the OCS Director of Student Services. She was named the new Principal at High Shoals Elementary last month.

Yancey’s wife Chelsey is a teacher at OCMS and oversees the cheerleading squads at OCHS. They have three sons — Tate, who attends Georgia Southern; Hudson, a 10th grader at OCHS; and Cal, a fifth grader at High Shoals Elementary.

“OCHS is more than just a school to me; it’s been a community and a family,” Yancey said. “I am so thankful for the chance to work with such dedicated students, staff, and parents, all of whom have helped me grow. I am excited about the new chapter as Director of Student Services. I look forward to assisting and supporting all 12 schools in the district.”