As part of this work, the district is reducing an administrative position at Central Office and realigning roles across schools and departments to ensure that the greatest possible positive impact is felt in classrooms. These adjustments reflect the district’s commitment to maximizing resources in support of student learning while maintaining strong, effective operations across the district.
Mrs. Elaine Reales returns to the classroom at JJ Jones Intermediate School (Jones) after completing her School Administration degree from North Carolina Central University. For the past year, she has served as an intern at BH Tharrington Primary School (BHT) and will now serve in an Advanced Teacher Role (ATR) for the district’s dual language immersion (DLI) program.
Mrs. Reales noted, “Dual Language, Multilingual, and World Language programs are open doors, not just to academic achievement, but to building the healthy, positive relationships that make my work possible. When I lead with faith, passion, and dedication, I create pathways for administrators, teachers, families, students, and our entire community to thrive together. That's why I love what I do.”
Mr. Levi Goins has been promoted to Director of Academics and Talent Development and will be supporting academics, World Languages/DLI, ATRs, multi-lingual learners, and new principal support. For the past nine years, he has been in an administrative position at Mount Airy Middle School (MAMS), with the past six serving as principal. He was named the MACS Principal of the Year in 2023. Prior to his role in administration, he was an outstanding high school science teacher for 10 years, where he was named MACS Teacher of the Year in 2014. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He earned his teaching certificate in 2009 through the UNC Educational Licensure Program after working as a research lab technician at the UNC Neuroscience Center. He earned his M. Ed in Educational Leadership from High Point University in 2018.
Mr. Goins shared, “I am honored and excited to step into my new role. Let me first say that I am deeply grateful for the countless interactions with students, staff, and families that have shaped me both personally and professionally. It is a rare privilege to work in a place where colleagues feel like family, and I will always cherish the relationships built during my time at the school. For some time, our motto at MAMS has been a commitment to ‘Growing Bears’, which has guided us each and every day. While being proud of the things we have accomplished together, I look forward to continuing that mission at the district level, working alongside our dedicated educators to support student success. I firmly believe that great schools are built by educators who are committed to continuous growth. In this new role, I am excited to support and develop the incredible talent within our district, helping teachers and leaders strengthen their practice, expand their leadership, and continue making a meaningful impact in their classrooms.”
Mrs. Katie McCrary has been named Principal of Mount Airy Middle School. For the past two years, she has served as the assistant principal for Mount Airy High School (MAHS) and was named 2025-2026 Employee of the Year. She taught for 20 years before moving into administration. Her most recent years were spent at MAMS, where she taught mathematics, served as an ATR, and was named the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. She holds a Master’s degree in Middle Grades Education and is certified in Mathematics and Academically or Intellectually Gifted Education. She also holds a National Board Certification. This spring, she will complete the NC Principal Fellow program at Appalachian State University.
Mrs. McCrary noted, “I am honored to return to Mount Airy Middle as principal, as this school means so much to me. Having previously been part of this school community, I know firsthand the passion, dedication, and hard work of the staff. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead and support their efforts and serve alongside them, students, and families in continuing the incredible work already happening to keep moving MAMS forward.”
Mr. Barry Hill is moving to MAMS to serve as the assistant principal. This position is currently held by Mrs. Melanie Sparks. Over the past two years, he has served students and staff at MAHS as Spark Lab Leader, Career Development Coordinator, and as assistant principal. Prior to his time at MAHS, he was the assistant principal at Jones. Mr. Hill has been in education for 17 years and has experience at all levels. In 2021, he was named Teacher of the Year for Germanton Elementary School. He has a Master’s in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Hill stated, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the team at Mount Airy Middle School. I’ve always believed that schools are strongest when they work together to support students, and I’m excited to continue serving the Mount Airy community in a new way. I’m looking forward to building relationships with students, staff, and families and helping create meaningful learning experiences for our middle schoolers.”
Mrs. Melanie Sparks will move to Mount Airy High School to serve as an assistant principal. For the past four years, she has served as the assistant principal at MAMS and was named Employee of the Year for the 2025-2026 year. Prior to being an administrator, she taught for over 20 years and worked as a high school math teacher and an exceptional children’s teacher. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education in 2001 and with a Master of School Administration in 2015. She has also earned her National Board Certification.
Sparks noted, “I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as assistant principal at the high school. My time at the middle school has been meaningful and incredibly valuable. I will forever cherish the relationships I have built there. I look forward to building new relationships and applying my experience to support students, staff, and families in this new role while continuing to grow as an educator and leader.”
Mrs. Maggie Mitchell has been named Principal of JJ Jones Intermediate School, where she has served as assistant principal for the past two years. For the three prior years, she served as an assistant principal at MAHS. Mitchell has spent 14 years in education, serving as a high school mathematics teacher and a curriculum facilitator. Mrs. Mitchell holds a Master’s of Education Degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Catawba College.
Mrs. Mitchell notes, “I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next principal of J. J. Jones Intermediate School, a place that I am already proud to call home. I am surrounded by an exceptional staff and an amazing group of students who make this work meaningful every single day. I feel truly blessed to continue this work in a new role and look forward to building on the strong foundation that makes this school such a special community.”
Mr. Phillip Riekehof has been named Assistant Principal of JJ Jones Intermediate School. Mr. Riekehof brings 13 years of experience with him to the position. For the past three years, he has taught math and science at MAMS where he was named the 2025-2026 MACS Teacher of the Year. Last year, he was also a finalist for the Burroughs Wellcome Career Award for STEM Teachers. Before joining the district, he spent 11 years teaching at Flat Rock Elementary, where he was named the 2017-2018 Surry County Schools Teacher of the Year. He is currently seeking to earn his National Board Certification and plans to join the NC Principals Fellow program at ASU. He graduated from Lees-McRae in 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education.
Riekehof shared, “I have always made an effort to bring energy and enthusiasm to my classroom. I am excited to bring the same energy and passion into my new role while supporting both students and teachers. It is an honor to have the opportunity to help lead Jones into the future.”
Mr. Dalton Tedder has been named Career Development and Digital Teaching & Learning Coordinator at MAMS. This position is currently held by Mr. Kevin Joyce, who will be returning to Mount Airy High School as the assistant principal and Curriculum and Instruction Management Coordinator for Career and Technical Education. For the past five years, Mr. Tedder has served in an administrative role at JJ Jones Intermediate School and most recently as the school’s principal. In his new role, Mr. Tedder will coordinate career development services for students and support digital teaching and learning across the district.
Tedder stated, “I am excited to begin my new role. As a district, we strive to graduate students who lead, innovate, and serve. I look forward to helping our district continue providing meaningful opportunities that prepare students for their futures. I am eager to work alongside students to inspire them as they explore future career pathways. Additionally, I am excited to support our district in navigating the evolving world of digital learning and equipping teachers with tools and strategies.”
Ms. Pam Simmons has been named Assistant Director of Finance at Central Office. Following the retirement of Amy Sawyers in March, she has taken on more responsibilities within the department.
In addition to his role as Director of Career and Technical Education, Mr. Garrett Howlett will begin overseeing the Transportation Department. This comes as interim transportation director Rodney Hardy’s part-time agreement ends and Dr. Sandy George transitions to other interim duties.
The start date for these positions will be effective June 1, 2026.