Frazier-Goatley has 23 years experience in JCPS
By Mark Hebert
July 21, 2023 - A former elementary school teacher is the new principal at Grace James Academy of Excellence. LaTonya Frazier-Goatley is currently the interim principal at Grace James. She will officially take over as the permanent top administrator at the middle and high school for young women on Monday.
“I am ecstatic to continue the legacy of excellence that has been established at Grace James Academy,” Frazier-Goatley said. “As an inaugural administrator for Grace James Academy, I am aware of the next steps needed to continue exposing our students to limitless possibilities.”
As an assistant principal, Frazier-Goatley played a role in the development of two new Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) with an afrocentric curriculum - Grace James and W.E.B. DuBois Academy for young men - working at DuBois from 2018 to 2020 before moving to Grace James.
“Ms Frazier-Goatley has been with Grace James since the beginning,” said Rob Fulk, assistant superintendent of middle schools. “She is a steward of the mission of the school, and takes personally the promise the school has made to our city. She believes in the potential of all students, and works diligently to see that potential to fruition.”
Frazier-Goatley began her career at JCPS in 1999 as a teacher at Dixie Elementary School. She moved to Chancey Elementary in 2002 serving as a teacher, math coach and math and science staff developer until 2013 when she was promoted to Advanced/Gifted Program Coordinator for JCPS. She also taught in the Gifted Education Studies program at the University of Louisville. Now she’s ready to lead a school whose students and staff know her well.
“This year we will further develop systems and procedures to become a premier academy for both middle and high school female students,” Frazier-Goatley said. “Equity- focused leadership will be the driver of everything I do to ensure that the ladies who exit our doors are ready to show their brilliance in STEAM-related career paths.”