Administration

Mrs. Shelby Hilley - Principal

Shelby Hilley is the Principal of Oconee County Primary School.

Mrs. Hilley's career in education began in 2005 as a Pre-K teacher while she completed graduate school at the University of Georgia. In 2007, she began teaching kindergarten at Statham Elementary in Barrow County. During her six years at Statham Elementary, she taught both kindergarten and first grade and was a member of the PBIS Team and Writing Committee. 

In 2013, Mrs. Hilley transitioned to Oconee County. She taught first and second grade at Malcom Bridge Elementary for 5 years. Mrs. Hilley served on her school Leadership Team and district-level Curriculum and Assessment Teams. She was an integral part of building the STEM program at her school. Her initiatives and love for STEM education provided the opportunity for Mrs. Hilley to open Dove Creek Elementary in 2018 as the K-5 STEM Activity Teacher. She fulfilled the role of STEM Coordinator and Gifted Coordinator. During this time, Mrs. Hilley completed an Educational Leadership Certification Program. 

Colham Ferry Elementary welcomed Mrs. Hilley as their Assistant Principal in 2019. In 2022, she began as Principal of Oconee County Primary School. Mrs. Hilley earned her Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership in 2020.

Mrs. Hilley and her husband Tyler are residents of Oconee County and have two sons, Hudson and Tucker. 

706.769.7941

shilley@oconeeschools.org

Degrees and Certifications:

B.S. Early Childhood Education, Armstrong Atlantic State University
M.Ed. Early Childhood Education, University of Georgia
Ed.S. Early Childhood Education, University of Georgia
Ed.S. Educational Leadership, Valdosta State University

Reading Endorsement
Gifted Endorsement
Tier 1 Leadership Certification
Tier 2 Leadership Certification

Mrs. Jennifer Dalton - Assistant Principal

Jennifer Dalton is the Assistant Principal at Oconee County Primary School.

Mrs. Dalton began her career as a second grade teacher in Gwinnett County. In 2008, Mrs. Dalton had the opportunity to serve as an instructional literacy coach where she spent 7 years working alongside teachers and students in the classroom.  During this time, a passion for leading and supporting teachers was developed and nurtured. In 2015, Mrs. Dalton transitioned to the role of Assistant Principal at Mulberry Elementary School.  In 2021, Mrs. Dalton joined the Little Chiefs and now serves as Assistant Principal at Oconee County Primary School.

Mrs. Dalton has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University. She holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont College and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University. 

Mrs. Dalton believes children thrive in a literacy-rich environment throughout their primary years.  These early learning experiences set them up for lifelong success.  She also believes in the power of families and schools developing relationships as collaborative partners.    

Mrs. Dalton and her husband, Chuck, are residents of Oconee County and have two sons, Drake and Brooks.  

706.769.7941

jdalton@oconeeschools.org

Degrees and Certifications:

B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education
Georgia State University, 2000
M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
Piedmont College, 2003
Ed.S. Educational Leadership
Georgia State University, 2017