William "Craig" Dills, Principal
I began my career in education with the Cobb County School District as a third-grade teacher at Austell Intermediate School. I spent five years working with parents and the community to serve students of all academic and behavioral ability levels as a classroom teacher, before transitioning to the role of instructional coach for three years. During this time, I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Technology from Kennesaw State University. I served as the Assistant Principal of Milford Elementary School for five years, during which time I earned my Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Berry College. Then, I came to Birney Elementary to serve as assistant principal for 2 years, prior to being named principal.
I have had the great fortune to collaborate with a diverse group of professionals who share the common goal of maximizing student potential. My educational philosophy is rooted in an unwavering belief that through a structured positive learning environment, focused educational team, and strong relationships with students and parents, academic growth is certain. When One Team, is committed to One Goal, Student Success is inevitable.
I am a devoted husband to my wife, Chandra, and father of three. We reside in Cobb County and our children attend public school in the Cobb County School District. My wife and I have both spent our entire professional careers within the Cobb County School District. When not working as a proud administrator, I enjoy playing golf, working on my lawn, and spending time with my family.
I can be reached at 678-842-6824 or william.dills@cobbk12.org
Donna Durkee, Assistant Principal
It is my honor to be named assistant principal at Birney Elementary School. I began my teaching career in 1994 as a special education teacher in Virginia and have taught almost every grade level. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts, my Master of Education in Special Education from Old Dominion University, and my Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Berry College.
I began my career with the Cobb County School District as an Educational Diagnostician and spent five years working with the families of our youngest students as they made the transition from early intervention programs to Cobb County. From 2015-2019 I served as a School Leadership Intern (twice!) and a Support and Services Administrator. I have spent the last 4 years in the classroom at Timber Ridge Elementary School and most recently here at Birney Elementary School where I have worked with many of your students. I have loved playing a small part in their growth and development.
I am four things: a wife, a mother, a teacher, and the granddaughter of immigrants. I have been married to my husband Chris for over 25 years and we are raising two amazing men, AJ and Cole. I respect parents as a child’s first teacher, and as a mother, I appreciate how precious and special every child is. As the granddaughter of an immigrant, I recognize the enormous value of prioritizing education, and as a teacher, I know that student success can only be achieved when parents and school staff work together to Inspire Greatness for All: Students, Teachers, Families, and Communities.
When I am not at school I enjoy traveling with my family, cooking, gardening, reading, and anything arty but my favorite pastime is hanging out with my two big yellow dogs Hercules and Sully. Please let me know if you or your child needs anything. You can contact me at 678-842-6824 or donna.durkee@cobbk12.org.
Erin Schularick, Assistant Principal
Welcome to Birney! My name is Erin Schularick and I am one of the very proud assistant principals here. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, and moved to Georgia in 2004. I received my undergraduate degree from Penn State, and my master’s degree from The University of West Georgia. I began my educational career as a kindergarten teacher in Cobb County, and soon served first grade, second grade, and EIP students. This will be my eighth year as an administrator in Cobb County, and my fourth year at Birney. My husband, Dustin, is also a school administrator, and we have two beautiful little girls, Ansley and Livi. When I am not at school, you will find me spending quality time with my family, traveling, spending time at Lake Allatoona, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles! You can contact me at 678-842-6824 or Erin.Schularick@CobbK12.org.
Kristi Flood, Support and Services Administrator (SSA)
