Administration

Mr. Karl Mercer, Principal

It is my honor and pleasure to serve the Alliance Family.  The 2025-26 school year will be my 26^th year in education, 22^nd year with Forsyth County Schools, and 4^th year as Principal of Alliance Academy for Innovation.  I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Math Education from the University of Georgia.  I received my specialist of Educational Leadership degree from Lincoln Memorial University.  During my career, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, district leader, and principal.   

My mission is to Create the Ideal Learning Environment and my vision is Success for All.  I believe in the importance of building relationships, collaboration, communication, and serving others.

At Alliance, we strive to instill the attributes of the FCS Learner Profile through our vision, mission, and beliefs. 

Vision:  Empowering students to connect the learning of today with the careers of tomorrow.
Mission: Providing unique and innovative pathways for students to own their future in college, career, and life.

We Believe… 

·         Responsible, respectful, and resourceful actions shape ​productive citizens. 

·         Cross-curricular collaboration provides innovative learning experiences. 

·         Positive relationships create meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.  

·         Family and community partnerships are critical to continuous improvement. 

Remember to always…  Be awesome.  Have fun.  Make this the best day ever.

Have an Amazing Avenger Day!

Mr. Tony Jones, Assistant PrincipalHello AMAZING AVENGERS!  I am thrilled to be serving in my 3^rd year at Alliance as an Assistant Principal.  I am passionate about supporting students, fostering a positive school culture, and working collaboratively with staff and families to ensure every student thrives.

I believe in building strong relationships, promoting high expectations, and creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where everyone feels valued. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or just to say hello. I look forward to an AMAZING 25-26 school year!  

Ms. Lisa Robinson, Assistant PrincipalI am excited to begin my 8^th year serving the students and families of Alliance Academy for Innovation and my 26^th year in Forsyth County Schools.  Prior to joining the administrative team at Alliance I served as ETC and World Language Department Chair at Lambert High School and as a Spanish teacher at South Forsyth High School before that.  I earned by BA from the University of Wisconsin, my Master’s from the University of Arizona and my Ed.S. from Lincoln Memorial University. My husband and I have five children and four grandchildren.  We live in Forsyth County with our two dogs and enjoy traveling and gardening.

Ms. Kelli Schuyler, Assistant PrincipalI'm thrilled to continue serving the incredible Avenger community, bringing over 27 years of experience empowering students, supporting teachers, and building programs that inspire future success.

Before joining Alliance, I served five years as an Assistant Principal at Lambert High School and previously developed and led the nationally certified STEM Academy at Forsyth Central—an experience that reinforced my passion for real-world, future-focused learning. My first career as a pulmonary research scientist sparked my commitment to helping students think critically, solve authentic problems, and explore meaningful career pathways.

That commitment aligns perfectly with Alliance’s vision of empowering ethical, adaptable thinkers who are ready to make a difference in the world. I’m proud to champion Alliance’s mission and look forward to another inspiring year of growing future-ready leaders in the Avenger community.

Mr. Frank GordyI’m grateful to be in my fifth year working alongside an incredible administrative team at Alliance Academy, supporting both students and staff each day. Secondary education has been my passion for more than forty years, during which I’ve served as an administrator, science teacher, and coach. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working in six school systems across Middle and North Georgia, with the last twenty-five years proudly spent here in Forsyth County.

I earned my B.S.Ed. from the University of Georgia, my M.S.Ed. from Georgia Southern University, and my Ed.S. from Lincoln Memorial University. What drives me most is being part of a team that assists students in discovering their potential and creating an environment where teachers can thrive.

Mr. James Parrish

With over 35 years of experience in education, Mr. Parrish is a seasoned leader committed to student success and academic excellence. A native of DeKalb County, Georgia, he began his career as a classroom teacher and coach in DeKalb County and later expanded his impact through teaching roles and coaching in Gwinnett County.

Mr. Parrish has served as an assistant principal in both Gwinnett and Forsyth Counties, where he has consistently fostered collaborative school cultures, supported instructional growth, and championed student achievement. His leadership is grounded in decades of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the needs of students and educators alike.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Education from Georgia State University, and a Specialist in Education from Piedmont College. Additionally, he earned a Leadership Add-On certification from the University of Georgia, further enhancing his administrative expertise.

Ms. Dixie Hamilton, Assistant AdministratorI am excited to begin my first year serving as Assistant Administrator at Alliance Academy for Innovation and my 16th year in education. Prior to joining the administrative team at Alliance, I taught science for 13 years and served as an instructional coach for two years. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting both teachers and students, building strong community partnerships, and creating experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for future success. I am thrilled to continue serving the students, families, and staff of Alliance in this new role.

Mr. Tim Tidwell, Assistant AdministratorIt is such a privilege to serve the students, staff, and families of Alliance Academy for Innovation—Go Avengers! As an educator with two decades of experience and a proud member of Forsyth County Schools, I am honored to contribute to the innovative and future-focused mission of this exceptional school.

Throughout my 20-year career in education, I have served in a variety of roles that have shaped my passion for student success, including Physical Education and Health teacher, Math and Special Education teacher, Graduation Coach, and Assistant Administrator. In my current role as, Assistant Administrator, I am committed to fostering a positive, student-centered environment.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Georgia College & State University, a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University, and my Educational Leadership Certification from the University of West Georgia. In addition to my work in the classroom and as an administrator, I have enjoyed coaching football, wrestling, basketball, and soccer over the years.

My wife and I are blessed with a blended family of four children, ages 19, 16, 14, and 11. As both a parent and an educator, I believe in building strong relationships, modeling integrity, and creating opportunities that help all students thrive.