Melissa Dalton hired as new GES principal for next school year

The Gainesville School District has announced it has hired Melissa Dalton as the new principal of the elementary school for the 2026-27 school year. She brings more than a decade of experience and with her and a strong personal connection to the district.

Dalton began her teaching career with the Forsyth School District after graduating from College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout. After taking time away from the classroom to stay home with her children, she returned to education at Gainesville Elementary, where she taught first grade for one year and fourth grade for two years from 2010 to 2013.

Following her time in Gainesville, Dalton and her family moved to the Ava School District, where she has spent the past 13 years serving in a variety of roles. During her tenure in Ava, she taught both fourth and fifth grades, worked as a process coordinator and, for the last six years, has served as special services director.

Dalton said the opportunity to return to Gainesville is both professionally and personally meaningful.

“My children, Andrew, Isaac and Abi, all started their schooling careers at Gainesville Elementary,” she said. “My husband, Aaron, worked for the Gainesville School District for a total of nine years. The Gainesville School District and community have always held a special place in our hearts, and I feel truly blessed to be able to return to serve the district as the elementary principal for the 2026-2027 school year.”