Meet Dr. Carrie O'Bryant - Principal
I’m so excited to become part of the Macedonia Community! I look forward to getting to know our students, staff, and families.
I joined the Cherokee County School District in 1999. Since then, I have taught all grades and subjects in kindergarten through fifth. I transitioned to administration in 2016 by serving as an Assistant Principal at Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy. I became the Principal of Clayton Elementary School in 2019 and look forward to serving as the Principal of Macedonia beginning in Fall 2023!
To ensure I continue to follow best practices and factors impacting elementary education, I have completed several graduate degrees and certifications over the past several years. These include a master’s and specialist degree as well as my National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification, Teacher Support Specialist (TSS) Certification, Gifted Endorsement, ESOL Certification, MIE Certification, Leadership Coaching Endorsement, and Leadership Certification. I received my Doctorate Degree from Valdosta State University. As you can see, I believe in life-long learning!
On a personal note, my husband, Scott, is a teacher at Cherokee High School in the Career Technology Department. We have three amazing children! Our twins, Jake and Josh, work in land surveying and construction management. Our daughter, Emma, attends Georgia College and State University. We also have two bonus daughters, Abbie and Carson, who are also teachers. Abbie teaches at Cherokee High, and Carson teaches at Hasty Elementary.
Meet Mrs. Venezia- Assistant Principal
Mrs. Melissa Venezia, a resident of the Macedonia community for the past seventeen years, is thrilled to join the staff at Macedonia Elementary as an Assistant Principal. Mrs. Venezia earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Orleans. She earned a master’s degree in middle grades education and her Education Specialist degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Piedmont University.
Mrs. Venezia is a 30-year educator, including 12 years teaching at Creekland Middle School. She served E.T. Booth Middle School as an Instructional Lead Strategist and Woodstock Middle School as Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Venezia and her husband have been married for 27 years, and their two sons attended Macedonia, Creekland and Creekview. Her oldest son currently serves in the United States Air Force and her youngest son attends University of South Alabama.
Meet Mrs. Sparks - Assistant Principal
My name is Tracy Sparks, and I am honored to join the administrative team at Macedonia Elementary for the 2025–2026 school year. As a proud graduate of this district, I am deeply committed to the continued success of our schools and community—ensuring all students are learning more, growing more, and achieving more.
This year marks my 21st year in education, all of which I’ve spent in the Cherokee County School District. Throughout my career, I have served as an EIP teacher, first-grade teacher, fourth-grade teacher, and most recently, as an Instructional Lead Strategist. Each of these roles has fueled my passion for supporting both student achievement and teacher growth.
To enhance my effectiveness as an educator and leader, I have pursued various degrees and endorsements. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I’ve also earned endorsements in gifted education, instructional coaching, and LETRS (Language Essentials for Teaching Reading and Spelling).
Outside of school, I’m supported by my wonderful husband and two stepdaughters. I look forward to working with the Macedonia Elementary community to make this school year one of excellence, growth, and shared success.