A Farewell & A Welcome Caverna Celebrates Two Great Leaders
Cornelius Faulkner, right, became Caverna’s first African American Superintendent. As he leaves the school district, Mrs. Amanda Abell will become Caverna’s first female Superintendent. Pictured with Abell and Faulkner is Clarence Glover. Photo: Facebook.
Katrina England
Reporter, Hart Co. News-Herald
Behind every good school, there is at least one good leader. Some schools are lucky enough to have more than one. Caverna held a combined celebration reception for outgoing superintendent Cornelius Falkner and incoming superintendent Amanda Abell.
Faulkner, who has been part of the Colonel family for decades in the roles of student and staff member, began his career as a teacher and coach before becoming assistant superintendent and then superintendent. Abell came onboard as assistant superintendent seven years ago and has dedicated her time at Caverna to opening new doors for the students and staff for enhanced opportunities and activities for growth.
“I first met Mr. Faulkner at Caverna Elementary where he was teaching Math in 1996,” said Wilma Bunnell, Director of Family Resource Youth Service Centers. “Throughout the years, I watched Cornelius lead by example and transition from the classroom to becoming a Principal and finally Superintendent. Corn did not only have his eye on academic achievements and our district test scores, he truly cares about teaching students, family, teacher, and staff members in our district. I am so excited for Cornelius’ next chapter, but I will miss him greatly.”
“I have enjoyed getting to know Mrs. Abell these past seven years,” added Bunnell. “One of Caverna Independent School District’s greatest strengths is working collaboratively and valuing the perspectives and voices of all our stakeholders. Amanda understands this. She has shown great interest in developing relationships into the community and being an active part of it. Amanda will use her many strengths to move our district forward for the achievement of our students, as well as continued development of our staff. She loves our students, and I am excited to work with her as I know she will be a top-notch Superintendent.”
It goes without saying that the Caverna Colonel family will miss Cornelius Faulkner’s presence within the district. However, the transition of his role of superintendent to Ms. Abell is expected to be a smooth and anticipated one. The change is a bittersweet moment but comes with cause for celebration for both Faulkner and Abell.
“Mr. Faulkner was amazing to work for,” said Caverna High School teacher Krista Colello. “His Colonel Pride bled over into faculty and staff, which made us feel more like a family. Anticipation grew when he announced his resignation. Mrs. Abell was the perfect fit. She was already a crucial element of our family. Her passion for the kids and the district is shown daily and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Corenelius Faulkner and Amanda Abell both had great reasons to celebrate with their Caverna Colonel family at their reception on June 1st. Pictured with Abell is her husband, Chris Summers.
Cornelius Faulkner is pictured with Twana Hayes and Wilma Childress Bunnell during the Farewell/Welcome Reception.
