Principal: Ms. Debbie Ritter
Assistant Principal: Ms. Tammie Anderson
Assistant Principal: Ms. Kerri Schmitt
Dear Knox Elementary STEM Academy Families,
It is with great excitement and heartfelt enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new principal of Knox Elementary STEM Academy. My name is Debbie Ritter, and I am truly honored to join this wonderful school community. I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to ensure that every student feels valued, inspired, and successful. I bring to this role 27 years of experience in education, having served as a general education teacher, special education teacher, district leader and principal. Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching environment where children not only grow in knowledge but also in character. As I step into this role, my top priority is to listen and learn. I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving school. I’m eager to connect with students, families, teachers, and staff to celebrate what’s working well and explore opportunities to grow together. I am so proud to be joining the Knights family and can’t wait for the exciting journey ahead.
Kerri Schmitt joined Knox Elementary as an assistant principal in July of 2020. She is starting her 21st year of education this upcoming year. Her educational career began in 1995 in Oklahoma and then in the summer of 1996, Mrs. Schmitt and her family moved to Georgia. After a break from teaching, Mrs. Schmitt started back at Mountain Road Elementary as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in 2004. In 2005, Mrs. Schmitt was hired as a Teacher (Special Education/Science) and the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Creekview high school. During her tenure at Creekview she was awarded teacher of the year in 2010 and 2017.
Mrs. Schmitt earned her Undergraduate degree and master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma (Go Sooners) and completed her Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia.
Mrs. Schmitt lives in Woodstock, Georgia with her husband, Kevin. Mrs. Schmitt enjoys playing tennis, soccer and pickleball in her spare time as well as hiking and camping with her husband and two grown kids (Kobi and Kyli).
Tammie Anderson is a Cherokee County native and grew up and lives in the Clayton community. She received her bachelor’s degree from Shorter College in Middle Grades Education, Master’s Degree from Kennesaw State University in Middle Grades Education, Specialist’s Degree from Lincoln Memorial in Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Leadership certificate from the University of Georgia.
She joined the Cherokee County School District in 1998. She is beginning her 26th year in education where she has served as a teacher, Instructional Technology Specialist, and Assistant Principal. Ms. Anderson was appointed as an Assistant Principal at Knox ES STEM Academy in 2017. She treasures the time that she gets to spend with the Knox family everyday as her passion is making a positive impact in the life of every child.
Ms. Anderson married her husband, Jason, in 2000. They have one son, Will, who attends Teasley Middle School. They have one donkey named LeRoy. As a family, they love supporting the Georgia Bulldogs, spending time with family, and traveling.