As teachers came in for pre-planning Tuesday, they were greeted by two new faces in the office at Smiley Elementary. David Edwards and Ann Thompson were elected principal and assistant principal in July.  They have both worked in the Long County School system for many years.  
Edwards taught in Long County for six years before becoming the assistant principal at Long County High School. He held that position for three years.
"I am very excited about the upcoming year. I am proud of the prior accomplishments of Smiley Elementary, and look forward to another successful year," Edwards said.  
Thompson taught special education in Long County for 15 years at the elementary and middle school levels. She most recently worked as the graduation coach at Long County High School, a position she held for two years.
"I worked at Smiley Elementary years ago. I am happy to rejoin this amazing team of teachers," Thompson said.
Smiley Elementary has been recognized as a "Title One Distinguished School" by the Georgia Department of Education. This year, Smiley Elementary earned Adequate Yearly Progress for the fifth consecutive year. During a visit last year from Georgia Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox, Smiley Elementary was commended for its achievements.
Long County Schools reconvene Monday.