Griffin High School

On April 19, the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Board of Education approved the superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Naja Douglas as the principal of Griffin High School.

Naja Douglas has served as the principal of Carver Road Middle School since 2019. Douglas began at Carver Road Middle in 2012 serving as a teacher and academic coach before being appointed assistant principal in 2015. Prior to joining GSCS, she taught special education and language arts at Ringgold Middle School for 10 years.

Douglas received her bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Learning from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and her master’s and specialist degrees in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University.

“During her tenure as principal at Carver Road Middle, Naja has had many great accomplishments. The school has seen great gains in student achievement and improvements in school climate and culture. I am confident that her knowledge, experience and leadership will be an asset to the students and staff at Griffin High School. Naja has an unwavering commitment to transforming lives and I look forward to seeing the impact she will make,” stated GSCS Superintendent Dr. Keith Simmons.

With 15 years in education, Ms. Princess Banks comes to Griffin High School from Bibb County, where she served as the Program for Exceptional Children instructional coach. Also, Ms. Banks was part of the 2022 graduating class of the Bibb County Schools VIP Leadership Academy for future leaders. Prior to Bibb County Schools, she was a science teacher, mentor and head basketball coach for Carver Road Middle School in Griffin, Georgia. Ms. Banks also was employed with the Lamar County School System for six years in several roles, such as alternative school lead, Credit Recovery department chair, CTAE Early Childhood and Teaching as a Profession instructor, FCCLA advisor, basketball assistant and head volleyball coach. Ms. Banks and the high school volleyball team made numerous state playoff appearances.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University, a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia.  

Ms. Banks believes in the impact of education and its ability to change lives.  She also believes we are given an opportunity to learn and change our spectrum of understanding, therefore, modifying our outcomes.  She is excited about returning to the Griffin-Spalding County School System and the opportunity to work with students, staff and the community of Griffin High School.  She looks forward to a momentous year and being part of the BEAR Nation.

Ms. LaTonya Higdon was born and raised in Dublin, GA, and is an alumni of East Laurens High School. She is the proud mother of Jaylon Higdon -- a college student at Clayton State University. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia College and State University, a Master of Arts in Education in Cross Categorical Special Education from University of Phoenix and a Specialist in Education degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University. She has been an educator for 17 years, serving in the capacity as special education teacher (autism), lead special education teacher, behavior specialist, and MTSS specialist.

Her philosophy as an educator derives from a proverb (Mathew 4:19):  “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” It is her goal to impact the lives of those she serves by equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to compete globally, become college and-career ready scholars, and productive citizens. 

Ms. Higdon is excited to serve in the capacity of assistant principal at Griffin High School and looks forward to bridging the gap between students, teachers, parents/guardians, and the community.

Dr. Aaron Randall is excited to serve as the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction.  Prior to joining Griffin High School in 2019, he served as the secondary programming coordinator for Henry County Schools, as well as the social studies, world language, and gifted education coordinator for Henry County Schools.  He was the founding assistant principal for the Elite Scholars Academy in Clayton County.  As a classroom teacher, he was fortunate to teach nearly every middle and high school social studies subject, as well as American literature and 10th-grade literature.  

Dr. Randall obtained a Ph.D. in Leadership in K-12 Schools from Capella University, an M.S. in Education from the University of Scranton, a B.S in Psychology from the University of Alabama, and a B.S in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University.

Mr. Travis Smith has 14 years as an educator.  Prior to joining the Griffin High school family, he served as the Athletic Director and Department Lead for the Health and Physical Education Department, at Douglas County High School.  He also taught at Langston Hughes High School, in Fairburn, GA. Smith also has 14 years experience as a high school football coach, having served as Offensive Coordinator at both Douglas County and Langston Hughes high schools. 

Smith earned an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership from Georgia College and State University.  He earned an Educational Specialist degree in Coaching Pedagogy from Valdosta State University.  Smith also has a Master's degree in Sports Administration from American Public University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Presbyterian College.  

"The Griffin High School community is one full of pride and respect for "The G".  I look forward to serving our school and community this school year." Smith says.