Addison Elementary School principal resigns after DUI Arrest

A Cobb County elementary school principal has resigned following her DUI arrest last month, ending a four-year tenure at the East Cobb school.

What’s Happening: Dr. Kevin Carpenter, a Cobb County School District assistant superintendent, told the Addison community Monday that Jill Spiva “has resigned and will not be returning to Addison.”

• Brett Ward, a veteran educator with more than 40 years in Cobb schools, will serve as interim principal for the remainder of the school year
• Ward previously led Brown, Smyrna and Kennesaw elementary schools in the district

Catch Up Quick: Police arrested Spiva on Jan. 8 near the intersection of Ebenezer Road and Sandy Plains Road — less than half a mile from her school.

Officers found a half-empty bottle of Smirnoff vodka in a white plastic bag near her car’s center console, according to a police report. When Spiva refused a blood test, a judge signed a search warrant forcing her to comply. She was released from custody the following day.

Between the Lines: The district stayed silent on Spiva’s employment status for six weeks while conducting its investigation. The school system returned from winter break Monday — the same day families learned of her resignation.

Ward starts Tuesday. Carpenter told families that the school’s Principal Advisory Council will provide input on qualities they want in a permanent principal for next school year.

Spiva had worked as an educator in Cobb County for more than 20 years.