Administration

Dr. Payne is a product of the Houston County school system working his way through Parkwood Elementary, Northside Junior High, and Northside High School.  He is entering his 27th year as an educator and is happy to be working in the best school system in the state of Georgia.  He graduated in 1999 from Mercer University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Mercer University in 2007, and completed his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Mercer University in 2016.  When he is not working, Dr. Payne loves to spend time with his beautiful wife Heather and his wonderful children Mia and Lucas. He also loves to watch and support his Miami Hurricanes, Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta Falcons.

Dr. Payne believes the ultimate goal for every student is to graduate high school, and he understands that a student’s path to graduation starts in elementary school.  He believes every student has the ability to grow as learners, and he is going to do everything he can to help ALL of our students live our mission statement to “Build a Community of Responsible, Life-Long Learners.”  Dr. Payne is excited to be in Bulldog Country, and as he always says…It’s GREAT to be a Perdue Elementary Bulldog!!!

Katherine Card is an experienced educational leader who is proud to serve the students, staff, and families of Houston County. A product of the Houston County School District, she graduated from Veterans High School before pursuing a career in education.

Mrs. Card earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education with a Reading Endorsement from Middle Georgia State University in 2019. She continued her education by earning a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood from Georgia Southwestern State University in 2020 and a Specialist Degree in Elementary Education from Georgia Southwestern State University in 2023.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Card has taught both third and fourth grades at David Perdue Elementary School. She is passionate about creating a learning environment where every student feels accepted, valued, safe, and supported. Building meaningful, lasting relationships with students and helping them achieve success are at the heart of her educational philosophy.

In July 2026, Mrs. Card became the Assistant Principal of Instruction at David Perdue Elementary School. In this role, she works alongside teachers, students, and families to promote academic excellence and support high-quality teaching and learning.

Outside of school, Mrs. Card enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and shopping. She is also an enthusiastic supporter of the University of Georgia and proudly cheers on the Bulldogs.

Mrs. McDavis became the Assistant Principal of Discipline in 2025.  Prior to this role, she served as the behavior coach at Parkwood Elementary School working closely with teachers, parents, and students on behavior.  She has also taught 3rd – 5th grades in Bibb County, Tucker Elementary School, and Northside Elementary School.  

Mrs. McDavis is a graduate of Northside Highschool (2000).  She earned her first degree from Fort Valley State University in Food and Nutrition and M.A in Dietetics from Florida State University. Next, Mrs. McDavis earned a Baccalaureate in Early Childhood Education from Wesleyan College. After educating for 6 years, she then went on to earn her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Walden University and then a few years later earned her Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Piedmont University. 

“I am so excited to be a part of the Perdue Family. Our school is a great place, and I am honored to serve everyone in this community. Let's continue to grow great people!”