We are proud to share that Mrs. Darlene Douglas has been named principal of Grantswood Community School.
While education is not her first career, Mrs. Douglas says it’s her most passionate. She brings more than 20 years of dedicated service and experience in K-12 education to this role. Her first career began in telecommunications, where she worked at a local radio and television station. This experience taught her the power of clear communication, creative problem-solving, and connecting with diverse audiences—skills she brings into education with enthusiasm and purpose.
For the past 20-plus years, Mrs. Douglas has been immersed in various levels of education: teaching 3rd (all subjects), 5th grade reading, and serving as an Instructional Coach at the high school level. At the elementary level, she served as both a reading coach and an ARI (Alabama Reading Initiative) coach. She also spent the last two and a half years working as an assistant principal at Fultondale Elementary. These roles have allowed her to build strong academic and personal relationships, support teachers in refining instruction, and create environments where students and staff thrive.
Her journey—from the broadcasting field to the classroom—has shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in serving others, listening with purpose, and leading with heart.
Outside of work, Mrs. Douglas enjoys spending time with her husband, Gary, their extended family, and their two adult sons—both proud products of the Jefferson County School District.
Darlene is honored to have this new assignment as principal of Grantswood Community School. She looks forward to collaborating with the staff, families, and the community to create a school environment that inspires, supports, and empowers every learner.