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 was born in Newnan, Georgia. She received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from The Fort Valley State University. She also has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a specialist degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Always a life-long learner, Mrs. Cayton holds endorsements in Teacher Support and Coaching, Gifted, Reading, Math, and Science.
Mrs. Cayton has taught first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and served as a gifted and EIP math and reading teacher. She’s also had the opportunity to teach overseas. During the 2022-2023 school year, she was announced as Parkwood Elementary's Teacher of the Year as well as a semi-finalist for District Teacher of Year for Houston County. Mrs. Cayton’s goal is to assist teachers with making learning a limitless experience by providing students with a classroom environment where they can grow to meet their maximum potential-academically, behaviorally, emotionally, and socially.
She loves traveling and spending time with her family.
