Buncombe County schools name new principals, administrators

Press release from Buncombe County Schools:

(ASHEVILLE)- Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson today proudly announces new Principal and Director positions for Buncombe County Schools (BCS) for the 2023-24 school year. These talented educators were unanimously approved for their positions on Thursday, June 1, by the BCS Board of Education. These assignments are effective July 1, 2023. 

Stephanie Stroupe is the new Principal at Weaverville Primary. Ms. Stroupe previously served as Assistant Principal at Johnston Elementary School (2018-present). Ms. Stroupe has taught at various schools here and abroad including Pisgah Elementary (2012-2017) and Honduras (2011). She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master’s in School Administration from Western Carolina University. She brings over 10 years of teaching experience to her new role. Ms. Stroupe replaces Mr. Nick Honeycutt. 

Doris Sellers is the new Principal at North Windy Ridge Intermediate. Ms. Sellers is currently the interim principal at the school and previously served as principal at A.C. Reynolds High School (2011-Retirement in 2022), Assistant Principal at North Buncombe High (2008-2011), and teacher also at North Buncombe High (1988-2003 & 2004-2008). She received her Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Asheville and Master’s in Education and Master’s in School Administration from Western Carolina University. Ms. Sellers brings over 32 years of experience to her new role. Ms. Sellers has served as the interim principal since the retirement of Principal Brent Wise.

Nicholas Honeycutt is the new Principal at North Buncombe Middle School. Mr. Honeycutt is currently the principal at Weaverville Primary School. He previously served as Assistant Principal at Reynolds High School (2020-2021). He was a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal in Madison County Schools for a total of 18 years. Mr. Honeycutt received his Bachelor of Science from Appalachian State University and  Ed.S and Master’s in School Administration from Lincoln Memorial University (2011). Mr. Honeycutt brings over 20 years of experience to his new role. Mr. Honeycutt will succeed Dr. Jamie Johnson.

Christen Davidson is the new principal at Haw Creek Elementary. Ms. Davidson is a Nationally Board Certified Educator. She’s served as Assistant Principal at Fairview Elementary School (2022-present), K-6 Lead Literacy Instructional Coach (2020-2022), instructional coach and intervention specialist from 2014-2019, and teacher at W.D. Williams Elementary (2005-2014). Ms. Davidson received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UNC-Asheville and her Master’s in School Administration from Western Carolina. Ms. Davidson brings over 18 years of experience to her new role. Ms. Davidson succeeds interim principal Ms. Jenny Klein.

Dr. Bonnie Bolado is the new principal at Fairview Elementary. Dr. Bolado’s prior experience includes North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Chief Academic Officer (2022-Present), NCCAT Senior Math Specialist (2018-2022), Adjunct Professor at Gardner-Webb University (2019-Present), Assistant Principal at Canton Middle School (2015-2018), and teacher at Waynesville Middle School (2012-2015). Dr. Bolado is a National Board Certified Educator. Dr. Bolado earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Master’s in Executive Leadership Studies, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership, both from Gardner-Webb University. Dr. Bolado brings over 14 years of experience to her new role. Dr. Bolado will replace retiring principal Dr. Angie Jackson. 

Dana Haney will lead Hominy Valley Elementary School. Ms. Haney has previously served as Principal (2019-present) and Assistant Principal (2013-2016) at Oakley Elementary School, Assistant Principal at Enka Intermediate School (2016-2019), Title I Reading Specialist (2004-2013), teacher (2001-20014) at Candler Elementary, and teacher (1992-1998) at Emma Elementary. Ms. Haney is a National Board Certified educator and received a Bachelor of Arts from Western Carolina University and a Master’s in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. Ms. Haney succeeds Principal Jeanann Yates. 

Dr. Laurel Stolte will lead Oakley Elementary. Dr. Stolte is the Assistant Principal at Sand Hill-Venable Elementary (2019-present). She previously served as a teacher and dual language coordinator at Southwest Elementary School (2012-2017; 2018-2019), adjunct instructor at Meredith College (2019), and teacher at Sunset Middle School (2005-2009). Dr. Stolte received her Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College, her Master’s in Education from the University of Colorado, and her Doctorate in Culture, Communities, and Education from Harvard Graduate School. Dr. Stolte brings over 15 years of experience to her role. Dr. Stolte replaces Principal Dana Haney.

Amy Rhoney is the new Principal at Valley Springs Middle School. Ms. Rhoney has previously served as the Innovative Partnership Administrator at Community High School (2020-present), BCS Director of Exceptional Children (2016-2020),  Principal at T.C. Roberson High (2011-2016), Cane Creek Middle (2007-22), and Assistant Principal at Erwin High (2000-07). Ms. Rhoney earned her Bachelor of Science, Master’s in Special Education, and Ed.S in School Administration all from Appalachian State University. Ms. Rhoney brings over 26 years of experience to the role. She replaces outgoing Principal Will Thrasher. 

Dr. Jackson is pleased to announce changes to Central Services Leadership, effective July 1, 2023.

The new Director of Secondary Education is Dr. Jamie Johnson. Dr. Johnson has served as Principal at North Buncombe Middle since 2017. Her previous roles include Principal at A.C Reynolds Middle School (2012-2017), Adjunct Professor at Western Carolina University (2012-2013), Assistant principal at Erwin Middle School (2008-2012), and Buncombe County Schools Teacher (2000-2007). A National Board Certified Educator, Dr. Johnson earned her Bachelor of Science from Mars Hill College and both her Master’s of School Administration and Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University. Dr. Johnson brings 22 years of experience to her new role, and she replaces Ms.Tonya Robinson who is retiring. 

The new Director of Federal Programs is Jeanann Yates. Ms. Yates has previously served as Principal at Hominy Valley Elementary (2021-present), Pisgah Elementary (2016-21), and Central Elementary School in Haywood Co. (2015-16). Ms. Yates earned her Bachelor of Arts from Mars Hill University and her Master of Arts from Garner-Webb University. Ms. Yates brings over 22 years of experience to her new role. She replaces Ms. Ginny Barrett who is retiring. 

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reed has been named the Associate Superintendent for the school system. The position of Associate Superintendent has been vacant since the retirement of Dr. Susanne Swanger in August 2022. Dr. Reed has previously served as Director of Elementary and Intermediate Education (2017-22), Principal at Fairview Elementary School (2012-2017), and Assistant Principal at Fairview (2011), Emma Elementary School (2010-11), and Glen Arden Elementary School (2008-2009). Dr. Reed brings over 20 years of experience to this role.

The following administrators will be retiring over the summer. We appreciate their dedication and tireless work to help Buncombe County Schools students thrive and achieve their goals. 

Tonya Robinson, Director of Secondary Education

Ginny Barrett, Director of Federal Programs

Brent Wise, Principal of North Windy Ridge Intermediate (retired in March)

Dr. Angie Jackson, Principal of Fairview Elementary