New Anderson-Livsey Principal Ready to Start Anew

(Editor's Note: This articles was originally published May 23, 2011.)

For Janice Warren, becoming the newly minted principal for Anderson-Livsey Elementary is an exciting challenge that she's ready to meet.

"I'm humbled, but yet, I'm overjoyed that I have a lot to bring to the table," she said the day after becoming the new principal. "I'm just really excited at this opportunity."

"It's been an overwhelming day," she added. "My emotions are all over the place."

The district chose Warren to replace Lawanna Owens-Twaites, who has been principal at Anderson-Livsey Elementary since it opened last year. Her appointment is effective June 1., and to other schools.

Officials haven't revealed the exact reasons why the major administrative shake-up happened, but there had been some discontent, according to parents.

Warren, who's been an educator since 1985, said she's ready to move on from that and to create an environment where everyone works together and feels a part of the team.

"Everything I do, I really believe that relationship building is that key," she said Friday, after a long school day that included a morning meeting with staff at the Anderson-Livsey Elementary.

With everyone working together -- students, parents, community members, and teachers -- Warren said she's confident of the school's success."My No. 1 goal is the student," she said. 

One parent, Tina Mansell said Warren is coming from a good school. "The leadership is great over there, including Ms. Warren," said the mother who has a son at Annistown Elementary.

Besides being a career educator, including twice awarded Teacher of the Year at two elementary schools, Warren also loves sports and her family. Anyone who knows her knows, her family is paramount. She is married, has three adult children and two grandchildren.

In her new venture, she hopes her new school will also see that she truly cares about her other family -- her students, teachers and parents.

"I am genuine to anyone I come into contact with," she added. "My husband says, to a fault."