Five Burke County Public Schools will have new principals in the upcoming academic year.
The moves are the result of several retirements in the system. Transportation Director Shane Gardner, MTSS and GEAR UP Coordinator Jennifer Hawkins and Table Rock Middle School Principal Heather Hollifield are retiring.
“We celebrate and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the three valued members of our administrative team who are retiring,†Superintendent Mike Swan said. “Their careers have been marked by dedication and service to public education, and we thank them for the impact they’ve made on our schools and community.
“While our priority is to maintain consistency by keeping principals in place whenever possible, we recognize that retirements naturally create a ripple effect of leadership transitions. Change, while sometimes difficult, also brings new energy, fresh perspectives and opportunities for growth. I’m confident that these leadership moves will strengthen our schools and support our district’s continued progress.â€
Daniel Wall, director of child nutrition, will take on a dual role as director of transportation as well.
Ginger Stinson, principal of Heritage Middle School, will move to a district-level coordinator role, overseeing the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, GEAR UP and Career and College Promise programs.
Erin Wall, principal at Ray Childers Elementary School, will become the new principal of Heritage Middle School.
Huffman
Lauren Huffman, principal of North Liberty, will take on the role of principal at Ray Childers Elementary School.
Call
Sarah Call, assistant principal at Walter Johnson Middle School, will be principal of North Liberty School.
Haskins
Tosha Haskins, principal at W.A. Young Elementary School, will step into the role of principal at Table Rock Middle School.
Melissa Street, assistant principal at Table Rock Middle School, has been named the new principal of W.A. Young Elementary School.
In an email to staff announcing the decisions following Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Swan said, “As we conclude another successful school year, we are excited to turn our focus to the upcoming 2025/2026 school year. As we approach the final weeks of this school year, let’s continue working together to finish strong and make this year’s conclusion both memorable and impactful.â€
“My biggest goal is to out compete myself, make sure that whatever I do at the national level, I do better than I’ve done in the past,†Harris said.
