Goldsboro, N.C. — At its regular monthly meeting on June 2, the Wayne County Board of Education approved a series of significant leadership changes that will take effect July 1, 2025. The changes include new principals for several schools and the appointment of two new assistant superintendents.
Tabari Wallace Named Principal of Carver Heights Elementary
One of the most notable appointments is Tabari Wallace, EdS, a respected state education leader and former 2018 North Carolina Principal of the Year. Wallace, who currently serves as Advisor to the State Superintendent at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, will take the helm at Carver Heights Elementary, replacing retiring principal Linda Brown-Rouse.
Wallace brings 26 years of experience in teaching, school administration, and educational leadership. His extensive résumé includes serving as the first two-year advisor to the State Board of Education and receiving multiple appointments from Governor Roy Cooper and House Speaker Tim Moore. Wallace holds multiple advanced degrees in education, counseling, and administration.
“Tabari Wallace brings a high level of energy, excitement, and experience that will greatly benefit Carver Heights Elementary,” said Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard.
New Principals Appointed at Multiple Schools
Other principal assignments include:
- Lorrie Kester, currently principal at Brogden Middle, will move to lead Norwayne Middle School. Kester has 18 years of experience and holds degrees in computer science, business, middle grades education, and school administration.
- Charlie Davis, assistant principal at Norwayne Middle, will replace Kester at Brogden Middle. Davis, a former North Carolina Teaching and Principal Fellow, also has 18 years of experience.
- Carol Hollar-Watson, assistant principal at Charles B. Aycock High School, will become principal of Wayne School of Engineering. With 28 years of experience across public, charter, and private schools, Hollar-Watson holds degrees in English education and school administration.
“These leaders bring experience and a strong commitment to their schools,” added Dr. Whichard. “We look forward to their leadership in the upcoming school year.”
Assistant Superintendents Appointed
The Board also named two new assistant superintendents:
- Dr. Gary Hales, principal and founding leader of Wayne School of Engineering, will become Assistant Superintendent for Support Services. He will replace Dr. Tim Harrell, who is retiring. Hales will oversee maintenance, operations, school nutrition, transportation, and capital projects. A three-time WCPS Principal of the Year, Hales has 28 years of experience and a doctorate in educational leadership.
- Brian Weeks, current principal of Norwayne Middle, was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. He replaces Dr. Yvette Smith Mason, who is also retiring. Weeks, a two-time WCPS Principal of the Year, brings 22 years of experience and will oversee recruitment, hiring, licensure, evaluations, and employee relations.
“Dr. Hales and Mr. Weeks each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be critical in leading their departments,” said Dr. Whichard. “We are confident in their ability to build upon the strong foundations laid by Dr. Mason and Dr. Harrell.”
Transition and Outlook
District officials anticipate a smooth transition over the summer, with support provided to each new leader. Dr. Whichard expressed gratitude for the outgoing leaders and optimism for the future.
“Our school district is fortunate to have such strong leadership stepping into these roles,” he said. “These changes reflect our commitment to student success and organizational excellence as we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year.”
