Administration

Principal Whitfield is a lifelong member of the SWATS community and an alumna of Atlanta Public Schools, where her passion for education and service first began. She attended Continental Colony Elementary School, Ralph J. Bunche Middle School and Frederick Douglass High School, and is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University. Having attended the very middle school she now leads, she considers it both an honor and a full-circle moment to serve the students, families, and community that helped shape him into the leader she is today.

With 25+ years in secondary public education, Principal Whitfield is deeply committed to creating a school culture where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. She believes that all students can thrive when provided with the right opportunities, resources, and encouragement. Known for her open-door policy and student-centered leadership, she leads with love, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

As a lifelong member of the community, Principal Whitfield is passionate about giving back and building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners. Her enthusiasm for working with children and helping them reach their fullest potential continues to guide her mission each day as a dedicated educational leader.

Mr. Antonio Grant currently serves as the 6th Grade Assistant Principal at Ralph J. Bunche Middle School. He brings more than a decade of educational leadership experience at both the middle and high school levels. A native of Savannah, Georgia, Mr. Grant is committed to supporting students, educators, and families and helping create opportunities for every student to succeed.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Grant proudly served eight years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. His military experience shaped his commitment to supporting and developing his team members, pursuing excellence, and embracing continuous improvement. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History from Georgia State University.

Mr. Grant began his career in education as a Substitute Teacher and later served as a middle school Social Studies teacher. Committed to continued professional growth, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Level Education and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. He has served students and families in both Fulton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools. Mr. Grant is a proud member of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).

Throughout his career, Mr. Grant has been committed to supporting students and educators and strengthening opportunities for student success. As a Graduation Coach and Assistant Principal, he has supported efforts focused on high-quality, rigorous, and relevant instruction, student achievement, positive school culture, and student engagement. His leadership experience includes supporting the implementation of schoolwide literacy initiatives, Freshman Academy, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). He believes that strong relationships, high expectations, and effective instruction provide the foundation for student success.

Outside of education, Mr. Grant enjoys spending time with his daughter, fiancée, and family, as well as attending student events and supporting the school community. He also enjoys grilling, discovering new restaurants, watching movies, and participating in 5K and 10K races. He believes that every child can succeed when provided with the right support, opportunities, and encouragement.

Cephia Blassingame is a dedicated educational leader with over 25+ years of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator.  Since 2012, she has served as Assistant Principal at Ralph J. Bunche Middle School in Atlanta Public Schools.  She was selected as Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Advocate School Personnel of the Year and Atlanta Public Schools Assistant Principal Finalist in 2025.

Her expertise includes instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and mentoring future leaders.  She has coordinated testing, guided school improvement, managed scheduling and safety protocols, and led summer school programs with high standards of instruction.

Previously, she was an Instructional Coach and Mathematics Teacher, strengthening student achievement through professional learning, Title I programs, and after-school tutorials.

She holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a B.A. in Middle Grades Education, along with a Teacher Support Specialist certification.  Recognized for her commitment to equity and talent development, she has mentored aspiring leaders and participated in professional networks.

Blassingame is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.

Embodying the Vision: "Work Hard to GROW Smart"

Lovetta Durham serves as the 8th Grade Assistant Principal at Ralph J. Bunche Middle School, bringing 26 years of dedicated service to Atlanta Public Schools. Her leadership philosophy is anchored in a growth mindset, firmly believing that individuals must Work Hard to GROW Smart at anything they aspire to achieve. This guiding principle infuses her daily work with students, instructional staff, and the broader school community, cultivating an environment where collective efficacy and continuous improvement thrive.

A Foundation in Community and Education

Growing up between the distinct communities of Brinkley, Arkansas, and New London, Connecticut, Ms. Durham developed a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and a strong sense of relational connection. This background naturally informs her leadership style, which emphasizes building authentic, trust-based relationships within the school system.

Ms. Durham’s extensive educational foundation includes undergraduate and graduate studies across three prominent Georgia institutions. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Morris Brown College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brenau University, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Mercer University. Her academic training, paired with specialized developmental experiences like the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement's RETAIN training, empowers her to strategically optimize school culture and effectively support adult learners.

A Legacy of Leadership in Atlanta Public Schools

Throughout her 26-year tenure in the district, Ms. Durham has functioned as a highly versatile and dependable leader. Prior to her current administrative role, she served with distinction as an instructional coach, Title I coordinator, and continuous improvement coordinator. For nearly a decade, she also stepped into the role of Summer Academy Site Administrator, implementing structured, engaging programming that successfully mitigated summer learning loss for hundreds of area students under her tailored theme of working harder to grow smarter.

As a champion for positive school climate, Ms. Durham coordinates the school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) framework. Her focus on introducing restorative circles and intentional data planning protocols has directly elevated student voice, significantly reduced suspension rates, and driven notable increases in student attendance. Passionate about shaping the future of education, she also dedicates her time outside the classroom as an Aspiring Leader Mentor within the district, passing on critical insights and best practices to the next generation of school administrators.

Personal Passions and Family

Beyond her professional commitments, Ms. Durham is the proud mother of three amazing sons, all of whom are currently navigating their own educational journeys as students within Atlanta Public Schools and Georgia Tech. When she is not collaborating with teachers or mentoring future leaders, she embraces her love for the outdoors. You can frequently find her relaxing on the beach, fishing, or staying active on the tennis courts.

Ms. Sample is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and a proud graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work. Since moving to Atlanta in 1995, she has dedicated her career to serving youth and families in various capacities, including roles as a case manager, supervisor, auditor, workforce development coordinator, and grant manager.

In 2015, driven by a passion to give back on a deeper level, she transitioned into the field of education. While she currently serves as the School Business Manager, she remains an active mentor to the students at Bunche. She intimately understands the challenges middle schoolers face in expressing themselves and recognizes the importance of having a trusted adult to lean on when they struggle to articulate their frustrations.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Sample enjoys traveling and is her 17-year-old son’s biggest fan on the baseball field. She is thrilled to continue investing in the lives of the youth who represent our future.

Mr. Dodson started working at Bunche Middle School in 2022. Mr. Dodson is from Cleveland, Ohio and is a huge fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Mr. Dodson focuses on helping students primarily in four areas: social, emotional, academic, and career. Mr. Dodson himself was a troubled student in school and leaned on his mentor/football coach to overcome various obstacles. This adversity and having someone in the school building believe in him is the reason Mr. Dodson became a school counselor. Mr. Dodson makes it a priority to make every student that he comes in contact with feel seen and heard. Mr. Dodson also is a member of the testing coordinating team at Bunche. Mr. Dodson is a leader in multiple school-wide initiatives including the "Top State for Talent" and "No Place for Hate".  Mr. Dodson is also a coach in the building, coaching football and track. Mr. Dodson is also the school connection for student work permits.