Administration and Leadership

Principal, Matthew Mederios. Assistant Principal, Virginia Ruia

Principal Matt Mederios

Dr. Mederios has served in the Dalton Public Schools system for three years, after moving from Lee County Public Schools in Fort Myers, Florida, where he served as principal at Varsity Lakes Middle School. Prior to serving as a middle school principal, Dr. Mederios served as a high school principal in the Lee County School District for five years and then served as a principal-on-assignment for Academic Services. He served for 21 years in public education in Florida prior to moving to Dalton.

Dr. Mederios holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport and Exercise Studies from The State University of New York at Buffalo, and completed the provisional certification program in physical education and health from the State University of New York at Cortland. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Assistant Principal Virginia Ruiz

AP Coordinator

Virginia Ruiz has been appointed as the assistant principal for The Dalton Academy for the 2023-24 school year.

From 2014 to 2020, Ruiz worked as a teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Dalton High School. In 2018, she was appointed as the chair of the ESOL department and held this position until 2020. Subsequently, in 2020, Ruiz took on the role of an instructional technology coach and media specialist at Dalton High School.

Ruiz prides herself in building trusting relationships with teachers and students in order to foster a positive climate of honesty and openness.

Ruiz holds a specialist's degree in curriculum and Instruction and a master's degree in instructional technology from Kennesaw State University. She also holds bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Dalton State College.

"We are excited that Mrs. Ruiz, who has a diverse skill set and background in creating and delivering positive student experiences, will be joining our team at The Dalton Academy," said principal Matt Mederios. "Mrs. Ruiz has high school experience and strong ties to the community and Dalton Public Schools. Her passion for implementing student-centered initiatives that improve student outcomes will help us thrive."