Administration
Principal
Dr. Chendra Dupree
Dr. C. Dupree, Principal, is a results-driven, equity-centered leader with 24 years of experience spanning elementary, middle, high school, and district levels. Her career includes service as a Classroom Teacher, High School Principal and Assistant Principal of Instruction, Middle School Instructional Coach, Elementary Literacy Coach, and District Intervention Coach.
Most recently, Dr. Dupree served as Principal of Central Fine Arts and International Baccalaureate Magnet High School in Bibb County, where she led a bold turnaround that resulted in three consecutive years of record-breaking graduation rates: 90.14%, 96.41%, and 96.45%. Under her leadership, the school earned designation as a PBIS Distinguished School and was named one of Middle Georgia’s Best High Schools in both 2023 and 2024.
A certified Restorative Practices Trainer and CliftonStrengths Coach, Dr. Dupree is recognized for fostering inclusive school cultures, building instructional capacity, and driving high-impact improvement efforts. She is a graduate of the AASA/Howard University Urban Superintendents Academy and the Governor’s School Leadership Academy and was recently accepted into Harvard University’s Turnaround Leaders Institute.
Dr. Dupree holds a Doctorate and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Argosy University, an Educational Leadership Add-On Certification from Georgia College and State University, a Master’s degree in Adult Education from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University. She also holds a Middle Grades Language Arts certification and endorsements in Teacher Support Specialist, Gifted In-Field, and Reading.
She has presented nationally at ASCD, Magnet Schools of America, and This Works Restorative Practices, showcasing her leadership in equity, student achievement, and school transformation.
In her personal life, Dr. Dupree is married to Joe Dupree, and together they are the proud parents of Nick, Chase, Chloe, Jala, and Jordan. She is an active member of The House of Hope in Decatur, Georgia, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. During her leisure time, she enjoys reading, shopping, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
Dr. Dupree is driven by her firm belief that all students can learn and thrive, Dr. Dupree's unwavering commitment to motivating, developing, and positively impacting lives makes her an invaluable asset to the field of education. Her extensive experiences, academic achievements, and dedication to ongoing improvement emphasize her effectiveness as an educator and leader.
Assistant Principal
Lateisha Andrews
Ms. L. Andrews, Assistant Principal, is the Assistant Principal at Herman J. Russell West End Academy, bringing over 20 years of experience in K–12 education. She began her career in 2004 as a substitute teacher and has since served as a classroom teacher, academic integration specialist, department chair, professional learning facilitator, and district area mathematics coordinator. Ms. Andrews is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Mathematics Education at Georgia State University, which will mark her third degree from the institution. Her research focuses on using artificial intelligence to enhance lesson planning and support differentiated instruction. She is passionate about promoting student success, supporting teacher growth, and driving school improvement through strong instructional leadership
Assistant Principal
Amber Lamar, a native of Macon, Georgia, proudly serves as Assistant Principal at Herman J. Russell West End Academy. A passionate educator and servant leader, Ms. Lamar brings over a decade of experience in education, counseling, and school leadership.
A 2011 graduate of Central High School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albany State University, followed by Master’s and Specialist degrees in School Counseling from Fort Valley State University. She also holds a Tier 1 Leadership Certification from the University of West Georgia.
Before joining Atlanta Public Schools, Ms. Lamar served as Assistant Principal at Central Fine Arts & IB High School, where she also led as PBIS Coach, Leader in Me Coordinator, Testing Coordinator, and Principal of Summer School. Her leadership philosophy—“Every day is a new day, and every student is different”—reflects her belief in growth, grace, and the power of second chances.
Guided by Jeremiah 29:11, Ms. Lamar is dedicated to leading with heart, consistency, and high expectations to ensure that every student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.