Brookhaven School District officials announced Wednesday thatthere will be a new leader at Mamie Martin Elementary School thisfall.

Danita Hobbs, who has been serving as an assistant principal atAlexander Junior High, will move next week to fill the principal’sposition left vacant by long-time administrator Thomas Fauver.

Fauver retired at the end of the 2000-2001 school year with 35years experience, having served 30 of those in Brookhaven.

“She has earned her stripes,” said Superintendent of EducationDr. Sam Bounds when introducing Hobbs.

Hobbs, a native of Lincoln County, has a total of 17 yearsexperience in the education system with 12 years in Brookhaven.Eight of those years are as an administrator.

She graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1980, then receivedher undergraduate degree in education from University of SouthernMississippi in 1983.

Hobbs obtained her master’s degree from Jackson State Universityin 1993 and her administration certification from MississippiCollege in 1995.

She is married to Lyle Hobbs and they have twin 12-year-oldboys, Blake and Justin.

Hobbs is ecstatic about her new leadership position at MamieMartin, a place she had hoped to guide during her career.

“I began my education at Martin Elementary, and it’s exciting togo back as the principal,” said Hobbs, adding that she decided inthe first grade to be an educator.

Hobbs plans for the school, which houses kindergarten throughsecond grade, include more interaction between parents andeducators to create a better education system.

“We really worked hard to stress parental involvement in theseventh and eighth grade, and we’re seeing the results of that now.I want to see that same type of relationship at Martin,” shesaid.

Her plans include starting a parent advisory council andcontinuing to have an open door policy for parents andeducators.

Hobbs also wants to make sure everyone at Mamie Martin isworking toward a common goal of providing the best educationpossible.

“I really believe in a family of teachers,” she remarked. “Ibelieve in team work. . . with the same focus in mind.”

She mentioned how important teachers are in a child’s life,especially when they are just starting on their educationjourney.

“I think a teacher is another mom, because they have those kidseight hours a day,” said Hobbs.

Hobbs wants to do everything in her power to make sure thestudents move on to the next grade level “with a real loved, securefeeling.”

She pointed out that Fauver did a terrific job during his tenureas principal, and she plans to have him visit the children once theschool year gets started.

“The kids who had him last year will miss him,” said Hobbs.

Her appointment leaves a vacancy in the assistant principalposition at Alexander Junior High School. That position couldfilled in about a week, said Bounds.