Opelika City Schools is proud to announce Dr. Emily Grace as the new principal of Northside Intermediate School. Dr. Grace will succeed Mrs. Cindy Poteet, who was recently named the district’s Strategic Initiatives Coordinator.

Dr. Grace brings nearly 24 years of educational experience, including more than 15 years of dedicated service at Northside Intermediate. She has served as a classroom teacher and instructional coach and is currently the lead teacher and building test coordinator.

"I am deeply honored to be named the principal of Northside Intermediate," said Dr. Grace. "This school holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m proud to continue serving this school system's students, families, and faculty. I’m excited to see how far we can go!”

Her family has deep ties to Opelika City Schools, where she attended kindergarten to second grade. Her mother taught at Jeter Primary School, and her father served as principal of Brown Intermediate. Dr. Grace holds a Doctorate in Administration and Supervision of Curriculum from Auburn University and a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University.

"Dr. Grace has a servant-leader mindset and a strong commitment to the success of every child,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, Superintendent of Opelika City Schools. "She understands the Northside community and has the experience and vision to lead the school forward. We are thrilled to have her in this new role."