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.
Mrs. Lachandra Cayton, Assistant Principal of Instruction
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.
Mrs. La'Kenya Brandon, Assistant Principal of Discipline
Mrs. La'Kenya Brandon is a dedicated educator and instructional leader who has proudly served students in the Houston County School District for nine years. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in 2013, followed by a Master's Degree in Reading and Literacy in 2017. In November 2020, she completed her Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, further strengthening her commitment to educational excellence.
Throughout her career, La'Kenya has been passionate about helping students achieve their fullest potential by building meaningful relationships and creating learning experiences tailored to their individual strengths and needs. She believes that understanding each student's interests, abilities, and areas for growth is essential to fostering both academic and personal success.
For La'Kenya, teaching is more than a profession—it is her calling. Her passion for education and dedication to student achievement have guided her work in the classroom and continue to inspire her leadership. In July 2026, she became an Assistant Principal of Discipline, where she remains committed to supporting students, families, and staff while promoting a positive and productive school culture.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, La'Kenya is a devoted wife and proud mother of three children—Laila, Cassidy, and Courtney Jr. Her family serves as her greatest motivation and inspires her to be a positive role model for the students and communities she serves.
