Aug 1, 2023, News Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, August 1, 2023—Charlottesville City Schools has named two veteran school administrators to lead Johnson Elementary and Lugo-McGinness Academy.
Ms. Georgette Mickens, who for the past five years has served as an elementary assistant principal with Dinwiddie County Public Schools, will be the new principal of Johnson Elementary School. Mr. Lamont Trotter, formerly the principal of Richmond Alternative School, is the new administrator at Lugo-McGinness Academy, the school division’s alternative high school.
Georgette Mickens, Principal, Johnson Elementary
Georgette Mickens comes to Charlottesville Schools after serving as assistant principal of Dinwiddie’s Southside and Sutherland Elementaries, which, like Johnson, are economically and racially diverse. Among her many accomplishments as an instructional leader, Mickens helped Southside Elementary regain full accreditation. She has degrees and accreditations from Christopher Newport, Norfolk State, and Longwood University. In addition to serving as an assistant principal, she has also been a school counselor, testing coordinator, Title IX investigator, and Spanish teacher.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with such a strong community and commitment to achievement for all its students,” Mickens said. “I look forward to working with all of the Johnson staff, families, and students and building on their successes.”
Ms. Mickens starts work at Johnson on August 10, succeeding Ms. Summerlyn Thompson, who now serves as the principal of the City’s Walker Upper Elementary School.
Lamont Trotter, Administrator, Lugo-McGinness Academy
Mr. Trotter comes to Charlottesville from Richmond City Schools, where since 2018, he served as principal of the Richmond Alternative School. He has served schools in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, DC, with prior positions ranging from special education and history teacher to assistant principal. At Virginia State, he has earned his B.A. and M.A and is currently completing his doctorate. His work has relied on relationship-building, professional development, and data analysis to improve instructional outcomes and build a positive school culture.
“I look forward to empowering students through meaningful educational experiences,” Trotter said. “Together with our staff, it is my goal to build a sense of community and purpose for all our students.”
Mr. Trotter began work on July 1.
Dr. Gurley noted, “Thanks to our search committees for their work identifying strong candidates who are a good fit for Charlottesville. Ms. Mickens and Mr. Trotter will be valuable additions to our community.”
