Administration
Dr. April Hodges
Principal
Dr. April Hodges began her career in education in 1997 at Effingham County Middle School. Over the years, she has taught middle school mathematics, English/language arts, and science in Effingham County, Candler County, and Vidalia City Schools.
In 2007, she transitioned into school administration and has served as a principal in Fannin County since 2017—spending six years leading Blue Ridge Elementary School before joining Fannin County Middle School in 2023.
Dr. Hodges earned her Doctorate in Education from Georgia Southern University in 2018. A lifelong educator, she believes that every student can learn—we just have to find the right way to unlock their potential. Her passion lies in helping students discover success through meaningful, engaging learning experiences.
Outside of school, Dr. Hodges enjoys spending time at the ball field watching baseball and softball, and she loves to relax with a good book.
Mr. Chuck Patterson
Assistant Principal
Mr. Chuck Patterson is originally from Sylva, North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Carolina University in 2004, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State University in 2020, and a Tier 1 Educational Leadership Certificate from the University of North Georgia in 2022.
Before becoming the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Fannin County Middle School, Mr. Patterson spent 18 years teaching high school social studies and physical education and coached high school football and wrestling for 21 years.
He and his wife, Kathy, who serves as a School Psychologist for the Fannin County School System, have two sons—Mason, 12, and Kell, 9. The Patterson family has called Fannin County home since 2019 and loves being part of this community.
Outside of school, Mr. Patterson enjoys coaching youth sports, hunting, fishing, cooking barbecue, and attempting to play the guitar.
“Every day is a great day to be a Rebel!”
Mrs. Shannon York
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Shannon York is a Fannin County native who loves being an educator and living in her hometown. She began her teaching career in 1998. Throughout the years, Mrs. York has also taught Spanish, Special Education and Physical Education as well as coached basketball and flat water kayaking. Mrs. York began her administrative career at FCMS as an assistant principal several years ago. As her own children grew to school age, Mrs. York transitioned to Blue Ridge Elementary where she taught PE and eventually returned to administration as an assistant principal. After taking a few years off to raise her kids and help her husband, Richard, with his business, Mrs. York returned to Fannin County Schools as the Athletic Director for three years before transitioning to FCMS in 2024 as an assistant principal.
Mrs. York earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education and Psychology in 1998, her Master of Education in Health and Physical Education in 2003, and her Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership in 2007.
Mrs. York has been married to her husband, Richard, since 2001, and they have two children, Reagan and Hudson. Mrs. York loves spending time with family and friends, playing or watching sports, warm weather, the beach, music, and being active in our community. Mrs. York also spends time in a band where she loves to sing and play the guitar.
She believes we live in the best community with the best students. Mrs. York also believes it is her mission to help our school be a safe, healthy and happy place for students to learn!