
April 10, 2026
🎉 Several AISD teachers were thrilled Friday to learn they are new designees in the district’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. In its second year at AISD, the locally developed plan recognizes high-performing reading/language arts and math teachers (in qualifying grade levels) based on classroom excellence and student growth. TIA is a state initiative that provides substantial financial incentives to qualifying educators. Pictured seated are new designees, as well as three who moved up a designation level. They are (from left) Jordan Carnes of Athens Middle School (moved from Exemplary level to Master level), Chantelle Allen of Central Athens Elementary (moved from Recognized level to Exemplary level), Angie Davis of South Athens Elementary (moved from Recognized level to Exemplary level), Spencer Hill of AMS (Exemplary level), Chera Gandy of CAE (Exemplary level), Christi Barnes of CAE (Master level), Heather Williams of CAE (Exemplary level), Sarah Willy of AMS (Recognized level), Sandy Howard of Bel Air Elementary (Recognized level) and Karla Rodriguez of BAE (Recognized level). Those standing are educators who earned their TIA designation prior to this school year. They are (from left) Amanda Huffer of Athens High School (Exemplary level), Polly Williams of CAE (Recognized level), Timothy VanOrden of AMS (Exemplary level), Edward Medvecky of AHS (Master level), Kelly Cohen of AMS (Exemplary level), Kaitlin Buchholtz of AHS (Exemplary level), Sherri Cole of AMS (Recognized level), Gary Barnes of AHS (Recognized level), Courtney York of BAE (Exemplary level) and Melanie Brown of CAE (Master level).
