At a special called meeting earlier this evening, the Haywood County Board of Education approved the remaining members of the school system’s senior leadership. “I want to thank the Board for having the special called meeting and for approving these leadership positions,” said Superintendent Nolte. “We are fortunate to have qualified people in the school system who can help us move to the next level in terms of performance and effectiveness. My only regret is that we did not have enough openings to place everyone who is qualified and ready.”
The Transportation Director position was filled by Mark Sheppard. Mr. Sheppard will manage all transportation operations including driver’s education as well as direct efforts to determine road safety during periods of inclement weather. Mr. Sheppard is highly qualified based upon his administrative experiences, especially with bus transportation and driver’s education.
Trevor Putnam was named as the Associate Superintendent for Support Services. Dr. Putnam brings a broad range of skills to the job including successful principal leadership and a background in Career Technical Education. He will facilitate facility use and planning, chair the policy committee, coordinate random drug testing, serve as the district athletic director, and facilitate the collaborative work of all support services departments.
Todd Barbee is the new Waynesville Middle School principal. He has extensive and successful experience as a teacher, high school assistant principal, elementary principal, and middle school principal. Mr. Barbee will take the helm of school system’s largest middle school.
Carol Fox was named as the new principal of Canton Middle School. She is a twenty-three year veteran of the school system who served as a successful teacher, coach and Lead Teacher at Pisgah High School before serving as an assistant principal at Tuscola High School. Her successful experience and ties to the Canton community will be an asset to Canton Middle School.
The new Technology Director is Kim Jackson. She will manage all areas of technology including system infrastructure, Library/Media services, and the use of technology as a teaching and learning resource. Director Jackson’s previous position will be filled with a highly skilled data management person who can provide the support needed to allow her to focus on department leadership and management.
Jill Barker will serve as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. She brings proven academic leadership to the job as a National Title I Distinguished School principal at Bethel Elementary and through providing the leadership to increase Pisgah High School’s academic performance by five points. She will facilitate curriculum and instruction, enrollment, teacher allocations, student transfers, remediation budgets and some public information responsibilities.
Clint Conner was named as the Principal of Pisgah High School. Mr. Conner has 20 years of successful experience. He has served as a teacher and coach at Pisgah High School, assistant principal in Bethel, and principal at Clyde Elementary School. His broad range of academic and extra-curricular knowledge will be very beneficial at Pisgah High School.
Byron Burnette was named as the Principal of Clyde Elementary. Mr. Burnette, has served as an Exceptional Children’s teacher and assistant principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. His knowledge of, and connection with, the Clyde community as well as his teaching and administrative experiences are a great match for Clyde Elementary School.
The individuals approved by the Board earlier this evening will be recognized on Monday, July 16th at the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting.
“The action taken by the Board to approve these leaders completes the placement of our senior administrative staff across the school system,” said Superintendent Bill Nolte. “We are so fortunate to have high quality people working in Haywood County Schools. Now our principals and directors can turn their attention to filling our remaining openings before school begins.”
Contact: Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent