FORSYTH COUNTY -- Two principals have been approved to transfer within the Forsyth County school system, one filling an open leadership position and the other joining the central office staff.

Lee Anne Rice was named principal of Cumming Elementary School, while Jeff Hunt was appointed human resources analyst and talent coordinator, effective for the 2016-17 school year.

Rice has been the principal of Settles Bridge Elementary School since 2003.

“It has been a privilege to serve the Settles Bridge community,” she said. “The teachers, parents and students have been a joy to work with, and I have been inspired every day by their passion and dedication.”

Prior to that, she served as assistant principal at Midway and Sharon elementary schools.

She also has 19 years of experience in Forsyth County and Cobb County school districts as a teacher, instructional lead teacher, literacy coach and gifted education specialist.

“As I move to Cumming, I am excited for the opportunity to continue the tradition of excellence this community has experienced," she said. "It is a school steeped in tradition and history, and I am honored to have been selected to serve as their principal.”

According to Rice, she began her Forsyth County career at Otwell Middle School and feels as if she is “coming home.”

“The Forsyth Central cluster is doing amazing work, and I am eager to work closely with the principals of Forsyth Central [High] and Otwell Middle to provide the highest quality of education to our students.”

Hunt will move to the central office after having served as principal of North Forsyth Middle since 2003.

Prior to joining the school district, Hunt worked in Clayton County, where he was a high school principal at two schools for a total of four years and an assistant principal and teacher for another eight years.

“The 13 years I have spent at North Middle have been incredibly fulfilling, and it has been a privilege to serve as principal,” he said. “I simply cannot thank this community enough for the support and love they have shown both myself and my family. I am honored and thrilled with this opportunity to work with our current Forsyth County Schools employees and for assisting those who are interested in joining our excellent team.”

Current Cumming Elementary Principal Pam Pajerski was appointed to the top spot at Piney Grove Middle after that school’s current principal, Terri North, was appointed to open DeSana Middle.

DeSana is set to open, along with Brandywine Elementary, this fall in southwest Forsyth.