The Houston County Board of Educationnamed Mrs. Angienik Allen as the next principal of Westside Elementary School on March 29, 2023. She began this new role in June 2023. Allen most recently served as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Westside.
“I am so excited and honored for this opportunity to work with the staff, students, and parents at Westside Elementary,” said Allen. “I look forward to continuing the amazing work that we have established that makes Westside the Best side. It is truly great to be a Westside Wildcat!”
Allen began her teaching career in 1999, and she has served in many roles such as teacher, instructional coach, and curriculum writer. She has taught at Morningside Elementary, Russell Elementary, Quail Run Elementary, and Lindsey Elementary.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Fort Valley State University. She also earned an Educational Specialist Degree in Education Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts.
Allen and her husband, Jeffrey, have 3 children.
Dr. Artia Shorter, Assistant Principal of Instruction
Dr. Artia Shorter was born in New Jersey and raised in Georgia. She received her bachelor's and master's degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Fort Valley State University. She earned her specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University and her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty Univerisity. After completing her specialist degree, she obtained her leadership certification from the University of West Georgia. To ensure she could meet the needs of all diversities, she obtained her English Speaking and Other Languages (ESOL) certification. In addition, she holds endorsements in gifted, reading, dyslexia, math, and science.
Dr. Shorter has taught kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade and served as the EIP literacy teacher. In 2018, she was announced as Lindsey Elementary's Teacher of the Year. She has also served as the Assistant Principal of Discipline at Westside and Parkwood Elementary. Dr. Shorter believes all students can learn at high levels and is committed to ensuring every student meets their greatest potential academically and socially.
Dr. Shorter is married to James, and together they have two boys: James Jr. and Kingston. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and volunteering with Make-A-Wish and Big Brother-Big Sister.
Mrs. Lachandra Cayton, Assistant Principal of Discipline
Mrs. Lachandra Cayton joined the Westside Elementary School's Administration Team in 2023, serving as the Assistant Principal of Discipline. Prior to administration, she taught for 12 years including the last three at Parkwood Elementary. She received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Special Education from Fort Valley State University. She also has a Master of Curriculum and Instruction and a Specialist of Curriculum and Assessment.
Mrs. Cayton is happily married and has one daughter. She's had the opportunity to teach overseas and travel to many countries including France, Thailand, Egypt, Zanzibar, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Kuwait. She loves dancing, singing, and spending time with her family.
She can't wait to create more memories and looks forward to serving all Westside families.
