Addison Elementary Principal Resigns After DUI Arrest: Parents React

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Parents at Addison Elementary School are grappling with the news that Principal Jill Spiva has resigned following a DUI arrest, raising questions about student safety and school leadership.

The Cobb County School District confirmed Tuesday that Spiva stepped down after her January arrest, in which police said she caused a crash while allegedly intoxicated and had a half-empty bottle of vodka in her vehicle.

Spiva had served as principal at Addison for four years and previously held assistant principal positions at other Cobb schools. While her resignation ends her official leadership, parents say the news has shaken the school community.

“It’s concerning to know that someone in charge of our kids’ education was involved in something like this,” said Addison parent Megan Turner. “We want to make sure our children are safe and that leadership is stable moving forward.”

The district reassured families that its priority remains student well-being. “Our focus remains on what is best for our students, and we are moving forward to ensure continued stability and success for the Addison community,” the district said in a statement.

To provide continuity, Brett Ward has been named interim principal. “It’s important for parents to know that the students’ education will not be disrupted,” said parent Scott King, who has two children at Addison. “We hope the district continues to support both teachers and families as leadership changes.”

While the resignation addresses immediate concerns, many parents say this situation underscores the importance of trust and accountability in school leadership, and they plan to remain engaged as the school transitions under new management.