Mount Airy City Schools announces administrative changes resulting from federal budget cuts and district reorganization.
Mrs. Courtney Howlett has been named Coordinator of Accountability, Testing, and Academic Support. She will oversee state testing district-wide, as well as support digital teaching and learning, and mathematics. Howlett graduated from Appalachian State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Secondary Education. She has also completed the extensive five-year North Carolina High School Mathematics Master Teacher Fellows Program. She started her career at Mount Airy High School in 2013 and has served as
math department chair, professional learning communities facilitator, and the school’s 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year. She earned her National Board Certification in the 2020-2021 school year. She is married to Garrett Howlett and they have two daughters, Carlee and Caelynn.
Howlett stated, “I’m honored to step into a role that merges my love for mathematics with my passion for teaching. I look forward to using my math background to support data-driven decision-making while continuing to foster instructional growth through academic support. Mount Airy City Schools has been home since the start of my career, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to keep learning, growing, and making a meaningful impact alongside such dedicated educators.”
Mrs. Kini Brindle has been named Director of Exceptional Children (EC). She will lead the EC department. She joined the district in 2017 as a speech-language pathologist. In 2018, she became EC compliance coordinator. Over the years in the district, she has led social-emotional learning efforts and served as the Title IX Coordinator. Brindle graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in 2008. She went on to earn her Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology in 2010. In 2022, she received Master of Arts in School Administration from Gardner-Webb. Currently, she is working toward her Doctorate in Educational Leadership through High Point University. She is married to Matthew and they have three children, Becca, Mattie, and Cooper.
Brindle shared, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of Exceptional Children for Mount Airy City Schools. I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for students with disabilities and their families, and I’m truly honored to continue that mission in this new role. I’m eager to collaborate with our staff and community to help every student access the support and opportunities they deserve.”
Mr. Garrett Howlett has been named Director of Career and Technical Education. He will continue to support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and science and will add apprenticeships to his duties. Mr. Howlett earned his Associate in Arts from Surry Community College. He then went on to Appalachian State University (ASU), where he earned three Bachelor of Science Degrees. He holds a BS in Building Science with a Concentration in Architectural Technology and Design, BS in Technology Education Trade and Industry, and BS in Technology Education for Secondary Education. He earned his Master of School Administration from Appalachian State University in 2020. In the 2023-2024 school year, he earned his National Board Certification. He is married to Courtney and they have two daughters, Carlee and Caelynn.
Howlett noted, “I am thrilled to have reached my goal of becoming a Career and Technical Education Director and deeply appreciate this incredible opportunity. CTE is where potential meets opportunity, and I’m excited to lead programs that don’t just teach technical skills, but inspire students to see themselves as future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their careers. I’m also eager to expand my knowledge and reach into science, recognizing the powerful connections between technical skills and scientific inquiry. I’m extremely grateful to Mount Airy City Schools for this opportunity to lead and support our dedicated teachers in preparing students for tomorrow’s careers.”
Mr. Barry Hill has been named Assistant Principal and Career Development Coordinator at Mount Airy High School. Mr. Hill has been in education for 16 years. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. After beginning his teaching career, he went back to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership through Gardner Webb University. In 2021, he was named Teacher of the Year for Germanton Elementary School. Over his career he has served as an instructional facilitator, curriculum facilitator, and SparkNC Lab Leader. He is married to Tracy and they have three children, Noah, Emmilyn, and Luke.
Hill expressed, "As Assistant Principal and Career Development Coordinator at Mount Airy High School, I’m excited to help students grow not only as learners, but as future leaders. I’m especially passionate about expanding opportunities in entrepreneurship, empowering students to think creatively, take initiative, and turn their ideas into action. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff and community partners to support each student’s unique path toward success in high school and beyond."
These individuals began their new roles on July 1, 2025.