TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (
Trussville Tribune
) — Trussville City Schools announced the appointment of new leadership for the 2025-2026 school year, including new principals at Magnolia Elementary and Paine Elementary, as well as a new program supervisor for Special Education, according to a statement released on Tuesday.
Dr. Lisa Lothspeich and Dr. Phyllis Faust are retiring from Paine and Magnolia, respectively, after building two of the highest academically ranked elementary schools in Alabama.
Dr. Tiffany Hamilton was named principal at Magnolia Elementary. She has 18 years of experience in education and most recently served as Supervisor for Secondary Teaching & Learning at TCS.
“I would like to thank Dr. Patrick Martin, Superintendent of Trussville City Schools, and our board members for the opportunity to serve in the role as the next principal of Magnolia Elementary School,” Hamilton said. “I am thrilled to join the Magnolia family, and I look forward to connecting with the amazing faculty, staff, and parents. I have a passion for student success, and I am eager to lead and support Magnolia toward continued growth. “One Pack, Stronger Together!”
Martin said Hamilton would help Magnolia continue the high achievement the school is known for.
“As an administrator in Trussville City Schools, as well as a parent of two students of Magnolia, I feel that this choice for Principal is spot on,” Martin said. “Dr. Faust has done a remarkable job of fostering the ideal culture for an elementary school, and I have no doubt that Dr. Hamilton is going to pick up the baton and continue this journey towards excellence. I have seen her work firsthand here at our board of education office and her professionalism, knowledge of the education process, and care for kids is astounding. She is going to continue to do great things for Magnolia and Trussville City Schools.”
Hamilton holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University, Ed S in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Liberty University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Samford University.
Mrs. Jaime Giangrosso was named as the new principal of Paine Elementary. She brings 22 years of experience as an educator and leader, most recently serving as Assistant Principal at Cahaba Elementary.
Before serving Cahaba Elementary as Assistant Principal, Giangrosso worked at the Alabama State Department of Education as an AL-MTSS Regional Specialist. Prior to her work at the ALSDE, she served as Principal at Moody Middle School and Assistant Principal at Moody Elementary.
“I am deeply honored and thrilled to return to the school that played such a pivotal role in shaping me as a young educator,” Giangrosso said. “This full-circle moment has reignited my passion to give back—to support the staff, students, and their families as they continue to grow and thrive. I am excited to serve with dedication, collaboration, and a strong commitment to this incredible community. Go Huskies!”
Martin echoed the sentiments of many in the community when he said Trussville was lucky to get Giangrosso home.
“I feel that Trussville City Schools was lucky to get Jaime Giangrosso back from the State Department last year and I cannot think of a better place for her to continue her leadership than Paine Elementary School,” Martin said. “She has served in various leadership roles at the state level, including most recently as President and Past-President of the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. She has prior Principal experience and has been very well thought of in her current role as an administrator at Cahaba Elementary School.”
Martin noted the significant challenges of leading to elementary school with the highest enrollment in Alabama while maintaining the high academic ranking.
“Paine Elementary School is the largest elementary school in the state of Alabama with caring and nurturing professionals in the classroom, as well as outstanding parent partners,” Martin said. “Dr. Lisa Lothspeich has been a wonderful, knowledgeable educator and outstanding leader for the families of Paine Elementary. I have no doubt that Mrs. Giangrosso and her team are going to step in and continue to make Paine Elementary School thrive as the special place that it is.”
Giangrosso holds a MAEd in Education Leadership, an Ed S in Physical Education, a MAEd in Physical Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, all from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Mrs. Erin Piper was named as the new Program Supervisor for Special Education. With a background in special education leadership and school administration, Piper will oversee special education programs and support services across the district. Most recently, she has served Trussville City Schools as the Exceptional Education Collaborative Specialist.
Mrs. Piper holds an Ed S in Instructional Leadership from Jacksonville State University, Master of Science in Collaborative Education (6-12) from the University of West Alabama, and a Bachelor of Science in Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from the University of Montevallo.
“I am incredibly honored for this opportunity and so appreciative of the trust Dr. Martin and the Board of Education have placed in me,” Piper said. “Trussville City Schools holds a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to build on the progress we have made in Special Education. I am eager to continue collaborating with our dedicated administrators, educators, support staff, families, and above all, our amazing students.”
Martin, who is also the parent of a special needs student, said he’s seen the leadership traits in Piper that are needed for success.
“I have watched Erin Piper grow as a leader and outstanding administrator in the area of Special Education for Trussville City Schools,” Martin said. “She has currently served as the number two lead for the school system, and I have no doubt in her ability to serve Trussville City Schools in this lead capacity. I know that she has the full endorsement of current Supervisor Dr. Cheryl Guilbeau and I know she has a heart for students in our Exceptional Education department. I look forward to her working with students, educators, and families alike to reach their goals of mastery and I know that she is excited to serve as our new Supervisor for Special Education.”
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