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Straughn Elementary School is set to welcome a familiar face as its new principal for the 2025-2026 school year when Daniel Rodgers returns to the roots of his educational journey.

Rodgers, who served as assistant principal at both SES and Straughn Middle School for six years, will officially assume his new role on Tuesday, July 1. He is a proud 2000 alumnus of Straughn High School.

“It means the world to me to have this opportunity to serve my school and this wonderful community,” Rodgers said. “It’s amazing how God works because this wasn’t even on my radar 10 years ago. To be able to work with the amazing staff and students at SES is an honor I do not take lightly.”

Rodgers takes over from Bettye Anne Older, who retired after 22 years as principal of SES and 27 years of service with Covington County Schools. Older finished with a total of 39 years in the education field.

“Mrs. Older has left some mighty big shoes to fill. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence she has instilled here,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers’ educational path began locally with an associate’s degree from LBW Community College followed by a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Troy University. In 2017, he completed his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.

As a child, Rodgers spent a lot of time at SES with his aunt, Pam Harold, a kindergarten teacher at the school.

“We spent a lot of time at the school during the summers and after school. It was always in the back of my mind,” he said. “In high school, I felt God calling me to teach math. Teachers like Ms. Cindy Thompson, Mrs. Dale Morrow, Mrs. Debbie Parrish, and Mrs. Tamberli Dixon didn’t just invest in me as a student but also as a person. I thought, ‘How awesome would it be to impact others the way they impacted me?’”

Rodgers initially had no desire to pursue a career in administration, but his perspective shifted after receiving his master’s degree.

“God started leading me in that direction. I became assistant principal 18 months later, and here we are today,” he said.

Rodgers is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that come with his new role, though he acknowledges that no one is ever truly “prepared” for such a transition.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with two of the longest-tenured principals in Covington County in Mrs. Bettye Anne Older and Mrs. Cassandra Anderson. They lead in different ways, but both run high-achieving schools. They’ve always been available to offer advice but also allowed me the freedom to find my way. Mr. Matt Cobb has also been a great sounding board and listening ear,” Rodgers said.

As he steps into his role as principal, Rodgers is excited to focus on one school and continue SES’s legacy of excellence.

“We have a great school, and Mrs. Older has left us in great shape. I’m eager to keep pushing us forward,” he said.

Rodgers is committed to fostering a positive environment for students and staff.

“I try to greet students with a smile every day, find something to talk to them about, and show them they matter. For our teachers and staff, I will encourage them in weekly emails to keep shining, just like it says in Matthew 5:16,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of showing appreciation for the hard work of his staff.

“Our teachers pour so much into our students. Just knowing their efforts are noticed makes a huge difference. A duty-free lunch every once in a while doesn’t hurt either,” Rodgers said.

He also stressed the need for continued academic growth and celebration of even the smallest achievements.

“Our teachers do an excellent job of recognizing and celebrating student accomplishments. This recognition goes a long way in supporting academic achievement,” he said.

Rodgers is keenly aware of the role the community plays in the school’s success.

“We have an amazing PTO and local businesses that go above and beyond for SES. Whether it’s sponsoring events like Awards Day or supporting field trips, we couldn’t do this without their help,” he said.

While Rodgers doesn’t plan to introduce any new programs immediately, he wants to maintain the focus on education and create a supportive learning environment for all students.

“Elementary students make you feel like a hero. They hug you, wave at you, smile at you, and make you feel like a million bucks. They are genuinely happy to see you,” he said.

He hopes to lead by example and ensure every student feels valued and loved.

“I want them to know they went to a school where people cared about them, not just because of their grades but also for their well-being. They may not remember everything they did here, but they’ll remember how we made them feel,” he said.

Rodgers also expressed deep gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and the Straughn community.

“Straughn is truly a special place. The people here have had a huge impact on who I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

He thanked Superintendent Shannon Driver and the Covington County School Board for allowing him the opportunity to serve as the next principal at SES.

“This is a position I do not take lightly. With God’s help, I will work hard to continue the tradition of excellence at Straughn Elementary School,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers, the son of Nita Wyrosdick and the late Terry Rodgers, has a twin sister, Amy, and a younger sister, Kelly. He and his wife of 18 years, Danielle, a registered nurse, are parents to four boys: Terry, 15, Rayden, 12, Jones, 8, and Joel, 4, all of whom will attend Straughn in the upcoming school year.

“I’m excited to have Mr. Daniel Rodgers as the next principal at Straughn Elementary. He has done an excellent job there as assistant principal, and we look forward to continued success. I thank Mrs. Older for her outstanding service to Straughn Elementary School. I am confident that Mr. Rodgers will continue the outstanding education program that has become the standard there,” Superintendent Shannon Driver said.