Welcome! I am Julie Pierce, the principal of Fairhope West Elementary School. Prior to coming to Fairhope, I was the principal of Gulf Shores Elementary, assistant principal at J. Larry Newton School, reading coach and 5^th-8^th grade teacher at Summerdale School, a second-grade teacher in North Alabama in Guntersville and Albertville, and a fifth-grade teacher in Orlando, Florida. I have been in education for 32 years, and I love the education profession!

I grew up in Oneonta, Alabama and am a proud graduate of Oneonta High School. I graduated from the University of Alabama with an Administrative Science undergraduate degree and began my career as an accountant. Later, I returned to UAB to earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and a certificate in Education Administrator from the University of South Alabama.

I have lived in Fairhope since 2001 and am married to David Pierce. We are a blended family with 5 children.  I have two children, and David has three. My son, Travis Warlick, is a software engineer in Atlanta, and my daughter, Margaret Gerleve, is in the gym business in Fort Worth, Texas.   John is a welder in Birmingham; Stephen is a mechanical engineer in Pascagoula; and Katie is a master’s student in social work at the University of Michigan.

I love spending time with my extended family debating at the dinner table, visiting around the pool, and putting together puzzles. My daddy and I can talk the ears off Billy goats! David and I love to tailgate at Alabama football games, read, and relax at the beach.  My husband and I attend 3Circle Church in Fairhope. 

I am very proud to be associated with Baldwin County Schools.  My leadership style is one of shared leadership.  Working together we will continue the legacy of excellence associated with Fairhope West Elementary School.  I am a teacher at heart and know that education is one of the most rewarding careers a person can pursue. After serving in the business field for several years, I know what it’s like on the “other side,” and I treasure my days in education.  Fairhope West Elementary is wonderful, and I love serving my community!