Mount Airy City Schools is pleased to announce that Dr. Olivia Sikes has been named Assistant Superintendent of Mount Airy City Schools (MACS). This position became vacant as Dr. Phillip Brown was named Superintendent of the district. Dr. Sikes will be overseeing Academics and Human Resources in her new role as well as Student Support Services, Innovative Programming, and Accountability. She is transitioning from Executive Director of Academics, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Accountability into this role effective June 1, 2024.
Dr. Sikes attended Appalachian State University where she majored in Mathematics and Secondary Education. She received her Master of Arts in Education from Wake Forest University and her administrative license from Appalachian State University. Sikes completed her Ed.S. in Leadership and School Administration from Appalachian State University in 2017 and then went on to earn her Ed.D in Educational Leadership in 2022. Sikes completed the North Carolina Aspiring Superintendent Program with Jack Hoke, the Executive Director of the North Carolina School Superintendent Association (NCSSA). Dr. Sikes is married to Joe Sikes, and they have three children: Jackson, Kolby, and Lucy.
Hoke stated, “Dr. Olivia Sikes was a member of the NCSSA’s Aspiring Superintendent Program Cohort VII. She developed a strong network of district leaders from across the state and she contributed to the discussion on emerging issues and innovative practices occurring in the Mount Airy City Schools. She will be an outstanding assistant superintendent and will be a great teammate for Dr. Phillip Brown, Superintendent, as they continue the strong academic, athletic, and arts programs in the Mount Airy City Schools.”
In her 21-year career, she has served in a variety of capacities that have prepared her for this challenging role. After 10 years of teaching high school math, she became Assistant Principal of Mount Airy High School (MAHS) where she served for two years. She then went on to serve as Principal of BH Tharrington Primary (BHT) for three years before moving to Mount Airy Middle School (MAMS) where she led as principal for three years. She has served as Director of CTE and Accountability prior to being named Executive Director of Academics.
During her time with the district, she earned MACS Teacher of the Year in 2012 and MACS Principal of the Year in 2019. She assisted MAHS as they earned the prestigious 2011 National Blue Ribbon Award. While leading BHT, she implemented the dual language immersion program, established a global focus for all classrooms, and empowered teachers as they grew the Leader in Me program for students. As Principal of MAMS, she guided the school through the redesignation as a Schools to Watch®, celebrated with her staff the prestigious NCASCD Lighthouse School Award, and led her staff as they earned a spot as a top middle school in North Carolina.
Sikes shares, “Mount Airy City Schools has been my home for the last 18 years. I look forward to continuing my work in this great school system in the new role of Assistant Superintendent. I am honored to serve the students, staff, and families of Mount Airy City Schools and look forward to being a part of the future of our district.”
Dr. Phillip Brown, Superintendent, notes, “At Mount Airy City Schools, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Olivia Sikes as our new Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Sikes has been an exceptional principal and has successfully led our academic programs district-wide over the past few years. Having recently vacated that position, I know that Dr. Sikes has what it takes to get the job done. Her dedication and vision will undoubtedly guide us, Granite Bears, toward a brighter future. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Sikes to her new role.”