Principal Stanley Wheless sitting a classroom with students.

Buncombe County Schools (BCS) employs thousands of extraordinary staff across the district. BCS takes pride in recruiting the best in order to inspire, educate, encourage and elevate students on a daily basis. As a way to honor the hard work and dedication that staff pour into our school community, we are recognizing those who go above and beyond to make BCS the best. This BCS Staff Spotlight recognizes Principal Stanley Wheless of A.C. Reynolds Middle School (ACRMS).

October is National Principals Month, and Mr. Wheless is a shining example of a principal that gives his all to the staff, students, school, and community. 

“He makes ACRMS a better place in several ways,” said Assistant Principal, Lindsay Rice. “He genuinely cares for our students and our school community. He is very visible to our students. You can find him each day in the cafeteria at breakfast and at lunch and in the hallways for every class change. He wants our students to know who he is and to feel comfortable to reach out to him for anything they may need.”

Mr. Wheless has been at ACRMS for eleven years and has been the principal for seven of those years. His love for public education and his students shine through every day. 

“I love the daily interactions with our students and families,” he said. “No two days are the same; I really enjoy the change that occurs daily.”

His colleagues say that ACRMS is a better place because of Mr. Wheless and the positive impact he makes on the school. 

“Mr. Wheless makes ACRMS a better place by being supportive of teachers and staff to get them the resources they need to support students,” said Social Worker Lisa Stander. “He cares about our students and engages our families with our school through after school activities. He is often at any after school athletic or extra curricular event we have.” 

Mr. Wheless explains what makes Rocket Country so special. 

“There is no question the faculty, staff and community is what makes ACRMS so special,” he explained. “The community support along with the dedication of our teachers ensuring that each and every student gets what they need to be successful is so amazing. The A.C. Reynolds Community is definitely a place a person would want to raise their kids!”

Mr. Wheless with a group of eighth grade students.