July 25, 2023
Fulton County Schools would like to say "welcome" to our newly-hired principals and administrative staff. We also offer our "congratulations" to existing employees that move into these positions as well. We are proud to present our newest team members here and on our FCS Social Media.
Dr. Christian Padgett
Principal, Hapeville Elementary School
Dr. Christian Padgett is a veteran educator with over 10 years of experience. He joined Fulton County Schools as a teacher at Brookview Elementary where he also served as an instructional coach before becoming an assistant principal. For the past four years, Dr. Padgett has served as an Assistant Principal at Benteen Elementary in Atlanta Public Schools. Dr. Padgett is a native of Savannah, G.A. He has continued to pursue his passion for education and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. Dr. Padgett also holds multiple endorsements to include Mathematics, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Gifted.
Dr. Padgett enjoys running, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family in his spare time. Dr. Padgett is a passionate educator who believes all students can learn at high levels. He truly seeks to inspire and empower both students and staff to reach their fullest potential. He is passionate about highlighting what makes Hapeville Elementary a special place to learn and grow. Dr. Padgett is committed and ready to partner with students, staff, parents, and community members as the very proud principal of Hapeville Elementary! Dr. Padgett is excited to take his next step in his leadership journey as a Soaring Hapeville Hawk!
Lamar Billups
Principal, Bear Creek Middle School
Lamar Billups is a veteran educator with over 15 years of experience. He started in education in 2007 and has had the esteemed pleasure of serving at both primary and secondary levels in Atlanta Public Schools (APS). Most recently, he has been leading as an assistant principal at Sutton Middle School in APS. Some of his notable leadership accomplishments include lead two schools to STEM certification. He is returning to Fulton County Schools after having taught English at Westlake High School.
Mr. Billups is a native of Tampa, FL and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Communications from Florida State University. Mr. Billups truly values education and continues his passion for learning as a doctoral student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Mr. Billups is a visionary leader who is committed to a culture of excellence. He has an extensive background in leveraging research based best practices to ensure a high-quality instructional programming, cultivating culture amongst staff and students alike through a restorative practices approach, and building and engaging community stakeholders and partnerships to support the mission and vision of the school. His core values include Empathy, Commitment, and Service and he plans to lead with them at his foundational core. He is excited to lead at Bear Creek to support the mission and vision to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of all scholars by creating a safe-haven and delivering rigorous instruction within the school environment.
In his spare time, Mr. Billups enjoys spending time with his family, traveling internationally, attending his kids’ baseball games and dance recitals, and is an unofficial foodie. Mr. Billups is a father of four, a husband to a beautiful wife, and a die-hard Florida State Seminole fan and alumnus.
Mr. Billups is a servant leader who is focused on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. He strives daily to build strong relationships among students, staff, and stakeholders. Mr. Billups is ready to become a “Bear Creek Bear” and engage the students, the hardworking staff, and community stakeholders as the principal of Bear Creek Middle School.