March 24, 2023—Christal Hammond, assistant principal at Duryea Elementary School, was named the principal at Hemmenway Elementary School on March 24. Hammond replaces Dr. Renee Silliman, who was named the inaugural principal for Brosnahan Elementary School on Jan. 18.

Hammond has 24 years of experience in education, starting in 1998 as a second and third grade teacher in New Orleans. Hammond then became a literacy facilitator and staff development teacher in 2003 before moving to CFISD in 2005 to become a third grade teacher at Francone Elementary School. She then moved to teach at Andre’ Elementary School for a year before moving to Duryea as a third grade teacher, serving in that role for six years. Hammond became an instructional coach at Duryea in 2013 and served in that position for three years. She then became a math and science instructional specialist at Duryea in 2016 before being named an assistant principal in 2018.

In addition, Hammond has participated in the Aspiring Principals Institute and is a member of the New Administrators Institute.

Hammond earned her Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education from the University of New Orleans and her Master in Education in Supervision of Instruction from Xavier University of Louisiana. In addition, Hammond holds a principal certification from Lamar University.

“I am honored and excited to serve as the principal of Hemmenway Elementary School,” Hammond said. “I look forward to connecting with the students, staff, parents and community members. Together with commitment and dedication, we will keep our Tigers roaring with success!”