Black principals named at W-S elementary schools
Trent Watkins, Glenn Starnes II and Tasha Hall Powell
Forest Park Elementary School
Trent Watkins will be the new principal at Forest Park Elementary School.
Watkins served as assistant principal at Wiley Magnet Middle School since 2015. Prior to that, he was the assistant principal at Parkland Magnet High School from 2010. He served as an assistant principal at North Rowan High School from 2004 until 2010. Before entering administration, Watkins taught language arts and fifth grade in Rowan County.
Watkins earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Watkins replaces Falicia Fuller, who is moving to an assistant principal role within the district.
Gibson Elementary School
Glenn Starnes II will be the new principal at Gibson Elementary School.
Starnes served as assistant principal at R.J. Reynolds High School since 2016. Prior to that, he spent a year as the assistant principal at Andrew Jackson High School. He also served as district coordinator for Extended Learning in Baltimore City Schools, starting there in 2014. Earlier in his career he was the vice principal of Options Public Charter Schools in Washington, D.C. He also spent time as an assistant principal, project director, and technology teacher in the Richmond City Public Schools.
Starnes earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University and a master’s degree from Regent University.
Starnes replaces Jeff Maglio, who is leaving to take a job in Yadkin County.
Middle Fork Elementary
Tasha Hall Powell will be the new principal at Middle Fork Elementary School.
Powell has served as assistant principal at Middle Fork Elementary School since 2015. Prior to that, she was a curriculum coordinator at Cook Elementary School for one year. Powell also served as an instructional facilitator in the district office for three years and was an assistant principal in Cabarrus County from 2001 until 2009.
Powell earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University. She has a master’s and Education Specialist, Ed.S., degree from Appalachian State University.
Powell will replace Sara Cook, who left the district pursuing other leadership opportunities.
