Greetings, Coal Miners!

I am Debbie McGonigle, your principal at J.B. Watkins Elementary School. I’m excited to kick off year 32 in CCPS! Here is a little information to help you get to know me. I look forward to building wonderful relationships with all of you this year!

I began my teaching career in Chesterfield County at Bensley Elementary. During my eighteen years in the classroom, I taught Junior Kindergarten, First and Third Grade at Bensley and Evergreen Elementary. From there, I spent three years as Assistant Principal at Watkins Elementary. My first principal job was at C.C. Wells Elementary where I served for three years. Then, I had the opportunity to return to Watkins eight years ago as Principal. It was so exciting to come back home to Coal Miner country!

I attended Chesterfield County Public Schools and graduated from Midlothian High School. Then, I received my Bachelor’s degree from Longwood College and my Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

In my free time, I enjoy being a mom to my wonderful children Casey and Hunter, Mimi to my granddaughter Eleanor and a new grandchild due at the end of August, spending time at the beach in Duck N.C., reading and shopping. My husband Tad and I are avid runners and enjoy participating in half marathons. My family and I enjoy watching football and cheering for the New York Yankees.

I am so excited to meet the parents and students of this wonderful community and look forward to a great school year. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions, comments and concerns. Through our collaborative relationship, I know that exciting things are ahead this year for our students!

Hello Coal Miners!

I love being part of the J.B. Watkins Admin Team! Our students, staff and community are simply the best. I joined the team in the 2018-19 school year and here is a little more about me. I grew up about 40 minutes north of Boston in southern New Hampshire. There I earned a dual degree in Elementary Education and Special Education at Notre Dame College. From there, I taught students with Learning Disabilities and then third grade while completing my Master’s Degree program from the University of Virginia.

I have been fortunate to serve as Assistant Principal at WW Gordon Elementary School and Clover Hill Elementary School before J.B. Watkins Elementary School! . My passions are building positive classroom communities and student leadership.

Personally, I remarried in Sept 2023 and have awesome 18 year old twin boys. We have a seven year old rescue dog named Jack and a six year old Boston Terrier named Minnie!

I love being a Coal Miner and I know you will too!

Hello Coal Miners! 

I am honored to serve this community as an assistant principal at J.B.Watkins Elementary School. I have been in education more than 20 years and have served in a variety of roles. After graduating from Elon University in North Carolina, I began my career teaching second and third grades. I moved to Virginia after getting married and taught 3rd grade in Hanover County. After eight years of teaching, I had a wonderful opportunity to be the Gifted Resource teacher for two schools in Ashland. My journey continued after we built a home in Chesterfield. I worked at Swift Creek Elementary for eight years as a 5th grade teacher, STEAM resource teacher, and Instructional Designer. I am a National Board Certified Teacher and mother to two children. 

I am committed to continuing the excellent work at Watkins as we encourage each student to be lifelong learners and productive citizens in a constantly changing world. I look forward to getting to know each student, teacher, staff member, and the families that make Watkins such a special place. I am dedicated to making sure our students are provided with a safe and encouraging environment conducive for learning. Go Coal Miners!