Administration

Dr. Kevin Maxwell

Dr. Kevin Maxwell, Principal

I am excited and humbled to serve as principal of Pine Grove Middle School. This is my 29th year as an educator and my 19th year as an administrator. My first twenty years as an educator were in my home state of Indiana. I began my career at Lafayette Jefferson High school as a social studies teacher and head baseball coach. I then served as director of student services and later as assistant principal, including two years as freshmen assistant principal. My first principalship was in the same district at Lafayette Sunnyside Intermediate School. During my 5 years in that role we became the first state STEM certified middle school. After moving to Atlanta I became principal at Inman Middle School and oversaw construction of the new building that became David T. Howard Middle School. I served four years in that role, and then was named assistant superintendent for Innovation, Improvement, and Redesign, leading a new department in Atlanta Public Schools.

I believe it is critical to value and capitalize on the talent and influence of every individual in our school community, including students, staff, parents, and partners. I believe that leaders should model their expectations and treat everyone with dignity and respect all the time, every day.

I believe in the power of public schools to prepare all children for college, career, and life through effective instruction, high expectations, and collective, continuous, student-centered effort.

I am married to Trish Maxwell, a native Georgian, and together we have six children and six amazing grandchildren. We are so grateful for the opportunity to work in Lowndes County Schools and live closer to family.

Please do not hesitate to email, call, or text me if I can be of assistance.

kevinmaxwell@lowndes.k12.ga.us

(765) 418-2038

Felicia Hill

Felicia Hill, Assistant Principal

Felicia Hill is a dedicated educator originally from Valdosta, Georgia. She graduated from Valdosta High School in 2000 and is now entering her 17th year in education. Ms. Hill spent her first ten years teaching in the Brooks County School District, developing a strong foundation in math and social studies. Her career has seen her advance to roles such as team lead and instructional coach.

Ms. Hill's collaborative approach with administrators, teachers, parents, and stakeholders underscores her commitment to academic excellence and student success. As a former team leader and member of the PGMS leadership team, she has consistently showcased her leadership abilities while upholding high standards of integrity, equity, and inclusivity within school operations.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Math and Social Studies with a minor in African American Studies from Valdosta State University, a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and a Specialist degree from Walden University. Additionally, Ms. Hill obtained her Educational Leadership Tier 1 certification from the University of West Georgia.

Currently, she is enthusiastic about collaborating with the faculty and families of Pine Grove to ensure that all students achieve their full potential in a safe and supportive learning environment.

feliciahill@lowndes.k12.ga.us

Dillon Swilley

Dillon Swilley, Assistant Principal

Mr. Dillon Swilley is a proud graduate of Valdosta State University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Middle Grades Math and Science. He later obtained his Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership from Georgia Southwestern State University. Mr. Swilley has spent his entire career at Pine Grove Middle School, where he has served in various roles including Special Education Teacher, General Education Teacher, Gifted Resource Teacher, and most recently, Instructional Coach.

Throughout his time at PGM, Mr. Swilley has taken on multiple leadership roles, such as Team Leader, Content Lead, and Lead Facilitator for the New Teacher Academy. He has played an integral role in implementing professional learning, data-driven instruction, and student-centered decision-making. He has also served on the school’s Leadership Team and STEM Advisory Committee, and he currently helps coach the school’s PBIS program.

Mr. Swilley’s goal as an assistant principal is to cultivate a learning environment where both students and teachers feel supported, challenged, and empowered. He believes strong relationships and high expectations are the foundation of student success.

Outside of school, Mr. Swilley enjoys spending time with his wife, Christi, and their son, Brexton, who is currently a kindergartener at Pine Grove Elementary.

dillonswilley@lowndes.k12.ga.us