Buncombe County Schools

Teachers across Buncombe County Schools (BCS) have completed some impressive homework of their own, becoming National Board Certified Teachers. There are 17 teachers in the school system who are newly certified, and 12 who have renewed their certifications. Several came to celebrate their accomplishments at the April Board of Education meeting. “Our teachers who achieve certification are leaders in their professions and in their schools,” said Associate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reed. “They are innovators, sharing their passion for learning with their students, and sharing their teaching methods with their peers.” To receive certification, teachers collect a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of their subject, methods of teaching diverse learners, and building outstanding learning environments. The school system now has a total of 378 National Board Certified Teachers. Those newly certified this year include: Jeff Baggett, Erwin Middle School Franchesca Brown-Petty, Community High School Whitley Burleson, Fairview Elementary School Heather Connelly, Reynolds Middle School Jordan Fisher, Eblen Intermediate School Michele Hammond, North Buncombe Middle School Maggie Harvin, Fairview Elementary School Mary Henthorn, Owen High School David Kayler, Nesbitt Discovery Academy Beth Lane, North Buncombe High School Ryan McCormick, Roberson High School Misti McDaniel, Nesbitt Discovery Academy Emily McKinney, Weaverville Elementary School Jaime Stowe, North Buncombe High School Liza Webster, Cane Creek Middle School Katie Wilson, Hominy Valley Elementary School/Avery’s Creek Elementary School Katharine Zamarra, North Buncombe High School

Thanks to the Charlotte Observer, Miami Herald, and Sacramento Bee for sharing lessons from Fairview Elementary School counselor Katie Wohlford McCracken.

Buncombe County Schools (BCS) employs thousands of extraordinary team members 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 members put into our school community, we are recognizing those who go above and beyond to make BCS the best. This BCS Staff Spotlight is in honor of National Librarian Week, and showcases Meredith Harvey, media coordinator for Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School (SHVES). Ms. Harvey’s storytelling prowess captivates students each time they come to the Media Center, weaving tales that transport them to realms beyond imagination. With a flicker of excitement in her eyes and a voice that carries the weight of centuries-old legends, Ms. Harvey ignites a love for reading among her students. “I think a media coordinator inspires students’ curiosity to seek knowledge and to have a deeper appreciation of the world around them,” she said. “I play a critical role in helping students articulate their thoughts and opinions about their reading and deepen their awareness of various perspectives.”   For 11 years, Ms. Harvey has helped students at both SHVES and Charles D. Owen High School. Her journey into education took a winding path where she gained two degrees in Museum Science and Social Studies. “I first caught the library bug working at Owen High School working as a split media assistant/classroom teacher,” Harvey said. “I had more laughs and rewarding experiences in their media center than in any other previous position. I’m fortunate to have found my home in the library.” SHVES Principal Tyla Moody said the school would not be the same without Ms. Harvey. “Meredith is a good communicator and always willing to offer support any way she can for students and staff,” Moody said. “She looks for ways to culturally support our students through literature and projects. Whether she’s greeting students each morning or saying good-bye each afternoon when doing her car duty, her positive attitude radiates throughout and brightens Sand Hill-Venable.” To all Buncombe County Schools Media Coordinators, thank you for all that you do. 

Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson has announced Dr. Jo Landreth will be the new principal at Oakley Elementary School. She joins BCS from Asheville City Schools, where she was a teacher and administrator for 27 years, most recently as principal of Asheville Middle School. Dr. Landreth has also served as an assistant principal at Ira B. Jones Elementary, and as a specialist working with academically and intellectually gifted students in the Asheville City Schools system. “Dr. Landreth is a lifelong educator and experienced principal who has dedicated her career to serving children and empowering teachers and educators,” said Dr. Jackson. “She is passionate about collaborating with parents and teachers to help meet the needs of all students. Oakley Elementary School has a rich and vibrant history and tradition as a true community school. I am grateful that we have found the right leader to embrace and honor the past while leading forward into a bright future for the Mighty Oaks of Oakley Elementary.” Dr. Landreth will start in her new role on July 1st.

A Buncombe County Schools teacher has been recognized as an innovative, inspirational educator. The North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented (NCAGT) named Jennifer Harmon as a finalist for this year's NCAGT Teacher of the Gifted Award. Harmon was recognized for her work and dedication to the students she serves at Glen Arden Elementary School, and through the BCS Virtual Academy. Harmon was presented the award at the NCAGT Annual Conference earlier this month, surrounded by her family and ten AIG specialists from Buncombe County Schools. “Mrs. Harmon works diligently to serve her gifted and advanced learners, while also supporting her colleagues in her schools and the AIG Department with her can-do attitude and dedication to true teamwork,” said Stephanie Knox, AIG/Advanced Learning Lead Specialist. Colleagues say Harmon is a great representative for the top-notch AIG programming available in Buncombe County Schools. She receives high marks for making a difference in the classroom, by creatively adapting to diverse learners. "Experience and best practices for teaching AIG students has taught me that not all gifted/advanced learners are cut from the same cloth,” Harmon shared. “It’s important for me to adapt my classroom to meet the various needs of my ever-changing groups during instruction." Congratulations, Mrs. Harmon!

The prestigious North Carolina Governor’s School program has selected 20 Buncombe County Schools students to be part of its class of 2024. The program is a month-long summer residential program for gifted and talented students that lets them further explore interests through unique courses in both academics and the arts. Students are nominated by their school, and are selected through a competitive process. For 2024, Buncombe County Schools had a greater number of arts applicants and selections than any previous year. “Our applicants display a kaleidoscope of the amazing talent in our district,” said Stephanie Knox, the AIG and Advanced Learning Lead Specialist for Buncombe County Schools. “This year, we are so proud to be sending 20 selected students from across the district for a life-changing summer experience in their chosen discipline.” Congratulations to all the BCS Students attending North Carolina Governor’s School this year: A.C. Reynolds High School Ben Carpenter (Mathematics) Damia Crandall (Instrument Music/French Horn) Seija Ellum (Social Sciences) Ava Ramsberger (Theater) Kathryn Wolfe (Natural Sciences) Buncombe County Early College Lucian Iavorschi (Social Sciences) Enka High School Soyeur Menser (Mathematics) Erwin High School Natalia Lopez (Social Sciences) Freya McCormick (Visual Arts) Nesbitt Discovery Academy Sophia Banks (Social Sciences) Lukas Kolmel (Spanish) Elena Washburn (Natural Sciences) North Buncombe High School Anderson Bowman (Theater) Sienna Charlier (Choral Music/Alto 1) Derek Gilliland (Mathematics) Bryan Harrell (Instrument Music/Bassoon)  Lucy Kopp (Natural Sciences) Elizabeth Stowe (Mathematics) Owen High School Sebastian Sarellano-Paez (Spanish) T.C. Roberson High School Anne Loveless (Visual Arts) Harry Ferguson (Theater) They will attend their programs on one of two college campuses, Greensboro College or Meredith College.

Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson has announced two additional school principals for the 2024-25 academic year. Miranda Wheeler is the new principal of Woodfin Elementary. She joins Buncombe County Schools from Asheville City Schools, where she was principal of Montford North Star Academy. A 22-year educator, Ms. Wheeler has also served as an assistant principal for the Asheville City and Yancey County school systems. This marks a return to Buncombe County Schools for Ms. Wheeler, who spent two years teaching math at North Buncombe Middle School. She is a graduate of North Buncombe High School. Josh Fisher is the new principal of Joe P. Eblen Intermediate School. He has been with Buncombe County Schools for 15 years, most recently as an assistant principal at North Buncombe Middle School. Mr. Fisher has also served as an assistant principal at Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy, and Valley Springs Middle School, where he also taught physical education and served as the school’s athletic director. Mr. Fisher is an Erwin High School graduate. “We are looking forward to the leadership of both of these principals,” shared Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson. “Having each been students and teachers in our school system, they have a deep appreciation for the tradition of excellence and commitment to continuous improvement that defines Buncombe County Schools. They are committed to serving students and families and empowering teacher leadership in these two amazing schools.” Ms. Wheeler and Mr. Fisher will start in their new roles July 1, 2024. 

Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson has announced five school administrator assignments for the 2024-25 academic year. “Each of these new principals brings a wealth of high-quality expertise and experience, coupled with a genuine desire to serve students and families,” said Dr. Jackson. “I am excited about their commitment and dedication to excellence in education and to ensuring teachers and staff are equipped to help lead our schools." Will Thrasher is the new principal at Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy. He has served as an assistant principal at T.C. Roberson High School for the last year. Previously, he spent four years as a principal and assistant principal at Valley Springs Middle School. This marks a return to Nesbitt Discovery Academy for Mr. Thrasher, who worked as the school’s career development coordinator and taught engineering for four years. Dr. Thea Wilson is the new principal of the Progressive Education Program (PEP). Dr. Wilson joins Buncombe County Schools from the North Carolina School for the Deaf, where she served as the director of admissions and as an audiologist for the past 15 years. Angela Gwyn is the new principal at Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School. She has been serving as the school’s assistant principal. Ms. Gwyn was the assistant principal for five years at Canton Middle School and was an elementary teacher and instructional coach for Buncombe County Schools for 18 years. Chad Upton is the new principal at Pisgah Elementary. For the last eight years, Mr. Upton has been the principal of Leicester Elementary. He has also served as principal at Woodfin Elementary, and as an assistant principal at Glen Arden, Emma, and Fairview Elementary schools, Enka and Reynolds Middle schools, and Erwin High School. Penny Caldwell is the new principal at Leicester Elementary School. She is a 24-year educator who has served as the school’s assistant principal and reading specialist. She has also taught at Hominy Valley and Clyde elementary schools, and Western Carolina University. The new administrator assignments are effective July 1, 2024. 

👏 Congratulations to Martha Tallent of Enka Middle School. She's been named Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year!

An Enka High School teacher is getting praise from his peers. The North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association (NCATA) has named Kevin Franklin its Western Region Teacher of the Year. The award is based on votes from agriculture teachers across Western North Carolina. “We’re so proud of Mr. Franklin for earning this award, but we’re not surprised,” shared Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson, who was joined by a special group of students and staff for a surprise ceremony. “He’s doing great work every day with our students and making a difference at Enka High School.” This is the second time Franklin has won the award in his 29 years at Enka High School. “Mr. Franklin’s efforts inspire and empower his students and colleagues alike,” said Michele Smith, Career and Technical Education director for Buncombe County Schools. “Through innovative teaching methods and genuine care for his students, he’s made a lasting impact.” Franklin’s students agree. “He deserves it. He’s had a big impact in my life,” said Kelsey Worley, the current Enka High Future Farmers of America president. “I have life skills, like speaking in public, that I would have never known when I first came into his class." “Just look at the wall,” said Enka High Principal Jeff Burleson, motioning to the awards hanging in Franklin’s shop. “That tells the story of how great he is.” Franklin says it’s special to be honored by fellow educators for being focused on the needs of his students. “That’s what Enka High School is all about,” Franklin said. “We love our students and we’ll do whatever it takes to be successful.”