On January 23, 2007 , the Paulding County Board of Education voted on the names of the new middle and high school located on Harmony Grove Church Road . In accordance with Paulding County School Board Policy FDC and the procedures set forth by School Board policy, the School Board followed the recommendations of both of the Nominating Committees to name the new middle school Sammy McClure, Sr. Middle School, and the new high school North Paulding High School.

Sammy McClure, Sr., the fifth of seven children born to the late Sam and Jurda Mae McClure, is a lifelong resident of Paulding County. He received his elementary and secondary education in Paulding County graduating from Matthews Consolidated School as the valedictorian of the Class of 1965. Being blessed with parents who encouraged education he received several scholarships and recognitions as a student scholar.

He continued his studies at Savannah State College in Savannah, GA, earning a Bachelors degree in Pure Mathematics and a minor in Physics with honors. Following graduation from college he began teaching at Union Elementary School on a provisional certificate. He enrolled the following summer in West Georgia College completing the education courses required to become fully certified. He continued his education at West Georgia College, completing his elementary certification and his Masters and Specialists Degrees in Educational Administration.

His first administrative job began in the fall of 1977 when he was selected to serve as the assistant principal at Paulding County Junior High. Three years later he was promoted to principal at Paulding County Junior High. He served as principal at Paulding County Junior High, which was later re-named Herschel Jones Junior High and Herschel Jones Middle School for the next 17 years. The last five years of his career were spent working in Paulding County as the Math and Science Curriculum Coordinator for the district.

Sammy McClure Sr. was the first African American male in Paulding County to have a school named after him for his years of service and dedication to the Paulding Community. He was the first elected black member of the Paulding County School board where he served as Chairman of the Board. He served on the board for 15 years, from 2003 to 2018.

Mr. McClure passed away on November 9, 2023.  As we mourn the loss of Mr. Sammy McClure Sr., we also celebrate the life he led and the profound impact he had on our school and community. He will be remembered with great respect and admiration, and his legacy will continue to guide us on our path of learning and growth.

School Information

315 Bob Grogan Drive

Dallas, GA 30132

Administration

Principal: Tammy Ponder 

6th Grade & 8th Grade A-L Assistant Principal: Dr. Jenette Allen 

7th Grade & 8th Grade M-Z Assistant Principal: Dr. Sean Schinella

Evaluation and Assessment Coordinator:  Teresa Bowles

Important Phone Numbers

Front Office: 770-505-3700

Fax: 770-505-7253