Michelle Helie: First Female Superintendent of Chattooga County School

In Thursday night’s meeting of the Chattooga Board of Education, Michelle Heile was named superintendent of schools for the Chattooga County System with a unanimous vote by the Board of Education to be effective July 1, 2024.

Early Life and Education

Michelle Helie was born and raised in the close-knit communities of Silver Creek and Lindale in Rome, Georgia. Growing up in a small town instilled in her a deep appreciation for traditions and the transformative power of quality education. This foundation shaped her educational journey and career, fueling her passion for fostering academic excellence and community involvement.

In 2003, Helie graduated from Shorter College with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She continued her academic pursuits, earning a Master of Science in Education from Berry College and obtaining her gifted endorsement. She then completed an Education Specialist Degree in Leadership.

Early Career and Teaching Experience

Before earning her Bachelor of Education, Helie taught Microsoft Suite software continuing education classes at Coosa Valley Technical College (now Georgia Northwestern). This early experience highlighted her ability to teach and connect with adult learners, further solidifying her passion for education.

Upon completing her degree, she began teaching at Model Middle School in Rome, Georgia, where she taught 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade mathematics. In 2007, she moved to Lyerly Elementary School, continuing her dedication to middle school mathematics education. Her roles expanded over the years, serving as a building-level mathematics coach, an assistant principal, a principal, and a district-level mathematics coach. Each position allowed Helie to work closely with students, teachers, and the broader school community, fostering a collaborative environment focused on academic achievement.

Leadership and Community Engagement

Currently, she serves as the Chief Academic Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Chattooga County Schools. In this role, she collaborates with all members of the school community, community, and business partners to enhance educational outcomes. Her involvement extends to district-level and state-level instructional committees, where she contributes to school improvement initiatives.

Helie’s career spans over 21 years, during which she has consistently embraced her role as an ‘academic’. “I firmly believe in the power of a nurturing environment where individuals genuinely care, set high expectations, and strive for success for all students. This holistic approach to education, which I have championed throughout my career, encompasses all stakeholders, from teachers and administrative staff to nutrition, custodians, transportation, coaches, para pros, and leaders. This comprehensive perspective has been the cornerstone of my career and my commitment to education,” Helie stated.

Vision for the Future

Helie looks forward to serving as the first female superintendent of Chattooga County Schools. She aims to maintain the traditions integral to the school and community’s identity. “I look forward to maintaining the traditions important to our school and community while working with teachers and leaders to make changes to continue improving academic achievement,” she said.

Mrs. Helie and her husband, Ben, currently reside in the Model Community of Rome. They are in the process of building a home in Summerville and they are looking forward to becoming members of the community.