Principal's Page

Administration BIOs

BIO: Ms. Veronica Williams, Principal

Veronica Williams is a veteran educator in DeKalb County.  She completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia, a Masters Degree in Early Childhood from Georgia State University, an Educational Specialist Degree from Brenau University, and Leadership Degree from Kennesaw State University.  Ms. Williams is a National Board Certified teacher. 

Ms. Williams began her teaching career as a fourth grade teacher at Montgomery Elementary School.  She has served as a DeKalb County Charter ProCorps member, an instructor for DeKalb Numeracy Initiative, and a math frameworks contract writer for the Georgia Department of Education.

More recently (2008-2012), Ms. Williams has served as Assistant Principal of Instruction at Chesnut Charter Elementary School. Ms. Williams is excited to have the opportunity to serve as principal of Chesnut Charter.  She is looking forward to working with the dedicated staff and the warm and supportive parent community.

BIO:  Mr. Lloyd McFarlane, Assistant Principal

I consider myself an Atlanta native , but I actually was born and raised in Jamaica. My family moved to Atlanta just in time for me to start middle school. I graduated from Southside Comprehensive High School in Atlanta. Soon after I decided to pursue an education degree, graduating from Morris Brown College. Immediately after graduating from college, I was hired by the DeKalb County School District as a teacher at Oakcliff Elementary School.

During my time at Oakcliff, I had the opportunity to experience teaching at every grade level as well as serving as a reading/math specialist. Oakcliff Elementary is also where I discovered my calling to be a leader in the field of education. I soon pursued a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College in Boston.  In the years to follow, I was appointed as an administrator at Austin Elementary School and McLendon School, consecutively.     

I am excited about this new chapter in my career as the Assistant Principal of Chesnut Charter Elementary School. I am committed to helping all students and staff members reach their highest potential. I also believe meaningful relationships between students, families, and the community is the key for educational success. Therefore, I am grateful to be serving the Chesnut Community where excellence in education is of the upmost importance.

Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

A Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) is a blueprint designed by a team of school, county, and community members to increase student achievement. DCSS uses this one plan for school improvement, accreditation, funding, programs, and initiatives. Each school must disaggregate and analyze data (test scores and survey results), identify needs through a comprehensive needs assessment, and develop action plans to address all subgroups, content areas and concerns. The school improvement process is a continuous process. This plan is a living document, which means it can be revised and updated throughout the school year.

Click here to review Chesnut's CSIP or here to review CSIP general information.