Addison ES principal resigns after DUI arrest; interim named Archives

Jill Spiva, principal at Addison Elementary School in East Cobb, has resigned, according to a message that went out Monday to the school community.

Spiva was arrested last month on driving under the influence charges.

Dr. Kevin Carpenter, an assistant superintendent with the Cobb County School District, said in his message on Monday that “Principal Spiva has resigned and will not be returning to Addison.”

Her successor for the rest of the current school year, according to Carpenter, is Brett Ward, formerly a principal at Brown, Smyrna and Kennesaw elementary schools in the Cobb school district.

Ward, an educator with more 40 years of experience in Cobb, is already included on the Addison website as the interim principal.

“He is deeply committed to students and families,” Carpenter’s message states. “He believes in strong relationships, open communication, and supporting your child with whatever they need to learn.

“Mr. Ward’s experience and calm presence will help our school continue moving forward. He is truly excited to serve your children. You will hear directly from Principal Ward and see him at school on Tuesday for his first day.”

The Cobb school district returned to session Monday after its winter break last week.

Spiva was arrested by Cobb Police Jan. 8 and charged with one misdemeanor count of DUI and separate counts of an open container violation and failure to maintain a lane, also misdemeanors.

The arrest took place at Ebenezer Road and Sandy Plains Road, close to the school, according to Spiva’s booking report. Police said at the time that officers discovered a plastic bag with vodka near a console when they approached her vehicle. When she refused a blood test, according to the report, a judge signed a search warrant ordering her to give blood.

Spiva was released from custody a day later, according to the booking report. The Cobb school district has said only that an investigation into the incident was ongoing and it could not comment further.

In response to a message for more information from East Cobb News, a district spokesperson said Tuesday morning that “We can confirm that Jill Spiva resigned from her position as principal of Addison Elementary School. Our focus remains on what is best for our students, and we are moving forward to ensure continued stability and success for the Addison community.”

Spiva had been the Addison principal for the last four years, and had been an educator in Cobb for more than 20 years. She is a Lassiter High School graduate and previously had been an assistant principal at Shallowford Falls Elementary School and Davis Elementary School.

In his Monday message, Carpenter told Addison families that “additionally, as we look to the next school year, Addison’s Principal Advisory Council will have the chance to give input on the leadership traits and qualities that are important to you! This input will help hire the best principal for your children.”

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