By
BCS Communications
Superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin today announces 20 new administrative assignments for Buncombe County Schools (BCS) for the 2022-23 school year. Seventeen principalships, two director positions, and one specialist position were approved by the school board on Thursday, June 2. Several principals announced their retirement earlier this year, creating many opportunities for principals and assistant principals. These assignments are effective July 1, 2022.
Dr. Shane Cassida is the new Director of Student Services. He’s currently the Special Population Specialist for BCS.
Jeremy Stowe is the new Director of Transportation/Community Outreach. He’s currently the Principal at Joe. P. Eblen Intermediate School.
Jim Lewis is the new Special Populations Specialist for the district. He’s currently the Principal at Owen Middle School.
Ben Alexander is the new Principal of Reynolds High School. He’s currently the Principal at Valley Springs Middle School.
Michael Benigno is the new Principal of Black Mountain Elementary. He’s currently the Assistant Principal at North Windy Ridge Intermediate School.
Andrea Britt is the new Principal of Cane Creek Middle School. She’s currently the Assistant Principal at Erwin Middle School.
Julia Hodges is the new Principal at Eblen Intermediate School. She’s currently the Assistant Principal at Enka Intermediate School.
Emily Cox is the new Principal at Enka Intermediate School. She’s currently the Assistant Principal at Enka Middle School.
Travis Collins is the new Principal at Erwin Middle School. He’s currently the Principal at Enka Intermediate School.
Jay Dale is the new Principal at Estes Elementary. He’s currently the Principal at Haw Creek Elementary.
Jamie Slagle is the new Principal at Glen Arden Elementary. She’s currently the Assistant Principal at Fairview Elementary.
Dr. April Wright is the new Principal at Haw Creek Elementary. She’s currently the Principal at Woodfin Elementary.
Heidi Allison is the new Principal at North Buncombe Elementary. She’s currently the Principal at Weaverville Elementary.
Kevin Yontz is the new Principal at North Buncombe High School. He’s currently the Assistant Principal at North Buncombe Middle School.
Dr. Samantha Sircey is the new Principal at Owen High School. She’s currently the Principal at North Buncombe High School.
Bradley McMahan is the new Principal at Owen Middle School. He’s currently the Assistant Principal at Owen High School.
Will Thrasher is the new Principal at Valley Springs Middle. He’s currently the Assistant Principal there.
Mary Nichols is the new Principal at Weaverville Elementary. She’s currently the Principal at Claxton Elementary (Asheville City Schools).
Brad Johnson is the new Principal at West Buncombe Elementary. He’s currently the Principal at Isaac Dixon Elementary (Asheville City Schools).
Nicole Roberts is the new Principal at Woodfin Elementary. She is currently the Principal at Black Mountain Elementary.
Angie Trantham is the new Principal of Johnston Elementary. She is the Assistant Principal at Estes Elementary.
Kelly Owen is the new Principal at Black Mountain Primary. She is a teacher at the school.
At the Central Office, Jennifer Reed has been named the interim Assistant Superintendent. Ms. Reed is currently the Director of Elementary and Intermediate Education. Dr. Paula Pinkerton has been named the interim Director of Elementary and Intermediate Education. Dr. Pinkerton previously served as Principal at Estes Elementary.
The professional bios for our new appointments are linked HERE.
These assignments were approved by Board members at Thursday’s Regular Board of Education Meeting. Friday morning, senior leadership announced each new principal’s appointment to their respective faculty and staff.
Additionally, the following principals and administrators will be retiring or changing careers at the end of the school year:
David Rhoney, Director of Transportation
David Thompson, Director of Student Services
Doris Sellers, A.C. Reynolds High School
Steve Molinari, Erwin Middle School
Kristina Specht, Glen Arden Elementary
Debbie Devane, North Buncombe Elementary
Brian Chandler, West Buncombe Elementary
Meg Turner, Owen High School
Malorie McGinnis, Black Mountain Primary
Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to the staff, students, and families of Buncombe County Schools!