Dr. Kristina Cummings was named the Principal of Northside Elementary School during the Houston County Board of Education meeting held March 11, 2025. Cummings is currently the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Northside Elementary School. She will begin this role in June, following the retirement of the current Principal, Mr. David Sams.
“It is an amazing honor to be selected to serve the students, families, and staff of Northside Elementary School as their principal,” said Dr. Kristina Cummings. “I am thankful to Dr. Scott, Dr. Rogers, and the Board of Education for their support and for the opportunity to continue the work of Mr. Sams and the entire staff.”
She started her teaching career as a middle grades science and social studies teacher. She has taught all levels from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Before joining the Houston County School District, she taught in several states and was recognized as a Top 5 District Teacher of the Year. In 2015, she joined Houston County where she began at Eagle Springs Elementary School. Over her years in education, Dr. Cummings has served on various school and county leadership teams and as a curriculum writer for both Science and English Language Arts.
Dr. Cummings added, “At Northside, we work daily to nurture our students into respectful, life-long learners. I am excited and privileged to lead us into the next chapter of the Northside story as we show faith in our mission, love for our family, and dedication to our Falcons. Faith, Family, Falcons!”
Dr. Cummings received her bachelor's degree at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas and then completed her teacher certification at the University of Texas, El Paso. She later earned her master’s degree in Information and Learning Technologies from the University of Colorado, Denver. Dr. Cummings is also a proud “double bear” with a specialist degree in Educational Leadership and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Mercer University. In 2005, she received National Board Certification, and she holds both gifted and science endorsements. Dr. Cummings is married to Kevin, and they are the proud parents of two amazing children, Kelsey and Scott.
Mrs. Cristina Betancourt, Assistant Principal of Instruction
Mrs. Cristina Betancourt is a proud product of the Houston County School System. She attended Centerville Elementary School, Tabor Middle School, and graduated from Northside High School. Mrs. Betancourt received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University, her Master's in Elementary Education at Piedmont College, and her Specialist’s in Elementary Education at Georgia Southwestern State University. She additionally holds an Instructional Coach Endorsement through Middle Georgia RESA.
In 2007, Mrs. Betancourt began her teaching career. She has been a proud member of the Northside Elementary Faculty ever since. She has taught second grade, supported staff as the Instructional Coach, and is currently the Reading EIP Intervention Specialist. Mrs. Betancourt served as a team leader, member of the Better Seeking Team, and currently the leadership team. In 2014, Mrs. Betancourt was named the Northside Elementary School Teacher of the Year. In fall of 2025, she became the Assistant Principal of Instruction for Northside Elementary.
She is married to Robbie Betancourt, and together they have two children. Mrs. Betancourt is extremely proud to be a part of the Northside Elementary family.
Ms. Crystal Tucker, Assistant Principal of Discipline
Mrs. Tucker was named Assistant Principal of Discipline in 2024 after serving 4th grade students in math and science. She is a product of Houston County School District and was named the 2020-2021 District Teacher of the Year. She graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelors and Masters in Early Childhood Education. She also holds Mathematics and Gifted endorsements.
Prior to entering the field of education, Mrs. Tucker worked in Management and Human Resources with GEICO and Chick-fil-a. She is also a proud US Army veteran. She has two children who also attend Houston County schools.
