Richmond County Schools is proud to announce the following leadership appointments and transitions approved by the Board of Education at its June 10 meeting.
“These updates represent months of planning and careful consideration of each of our schools and their needs,” said Dr. Joe Ferrell, Superintendent of Richmond County Schools. “We’re looking to the school year ahead with confidence in these transitions and the leaders who will guide our schools and support our students.”
Angela McDonald Named Principal of Richmond Early College High School
Angela McDonald has been selected as the next principal of Richmond Early College High School, bringing nearly 25 years of experience in Richmond County Schools and a commitment to secondary education. Her career has been defined by a focus on student growth, strong relationships, and a belief in the power of positive school culture.
Mrs. McDonald began her journey in education as a middle school science teacher at Ellerbe Middle School, where she later served as the school’s academic coach. For the past nine years, she has worked as an assistant principal at the high school level, supporting students, staff, and families.
Reflecting on her career, Mrs. McDonald shared that some of her proudest moments have come from the relationships she’s built along the way. “I have had the privilege of working with and learning from some of the finest staff in education,” she said. “The lasting connections I've made with parents and students have profoundly influenced me both as an educator and as a person.”
Her approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity and shared purpose. One moment that stands out in her career came when a student told her he was determined to score a 5 on his end-of-grade exam—not just for himself, but because he knew she believed in him. “That moment reminded me why I chose education,” she said. “It showed me that when students know you’re invested in them, they rise to meet the challenge.”
As she steps into her new role at REaCH, Mrs. McDonald is excited to build on the school’s strong foundation. “My goal is to bring positive energy to the school and to collaborate with the dedicated teams at both REaCH and Richmond Community College,” she said. “I want to continue the standard of excellence already in place while building strong relationships that support every student’s success.”
“Angela has spent her career focused on secondary students, and that experience gives her a strong understanding of how to support learning at the Early College. She brings consistency, high expectations, and a strong academic focus to everything she does,” shared Dr. Ferrell
Mrs. McDonald earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC Pembroke and a master’s in educational leadership from Wingate University. She is the current Richmond County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year for 2023–2024.
Ismael Gomez—Principal—Monroe Avenue Elementary
Ismael Gomez has been named principal of Monroe Avenue Elementary School. He returns to the school where he began his administrative career, bringing experience from across all grade levels and a clear focus on supporting students, staff, and families.
Mr. Gomez started teaching middle school math in 2014 and moved into administration in 2021. Since then, he has served as an assistant principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, most recently at Richmond Senior High School. In 2022–2023, he was named the district’s Assistant Principal of the Year.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s in school administration from Campbell University.
“Ismael has a strong understanding of instruction and what it takes to lead a school day to day,” said Dr. Ferrell. “He approaches leadership with professionalism and a clear commitment to supporting his staff and students.”
Mr. Gomez says he’s looking forward to building strong relationships with the Monroe Avenue community. “I truly believe that when students and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered, great things happen,” he said. “I’m eager to foster an environment where everyone feels a sense of pride and ownership in our school’s success.”
He also plans to be a visible and approachable leader. “I want every student and staff member to know they are seen, heard, and valued,” he said. “By fostering open communication, celebrating successes, and supporting one another through challenges, we can create a culture of trust, respect, and shared purpose.”
Reflecting on his career so far, Mr. Gomez says his time at all three school levels has shaped how he leads. “Each experience has strengthened my perspective, deepened my empathy, and prepared me to lead with greater purpose,” he said. “Every age, every stage matters, and I’m proud to carry that insight forward as a more well-rounded principal.”
Stephanie Upton-Assistant Principal Richmond Senior High School
Stephanie Upton joins the administrative team at Richmond Senior High School as an assistant principal, bringing 12 years of experience in special education and a strong belief in the power of school culture. A National Board-Certified Teacher, she holds a bachelor’s degree from UNC Wilmington, a Master of Arts in Special Education from Western Carolina University, and a Master of School Administration from UNC Pembroke.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Upton has focused on building strong relationships and creating a school environment where students and staff feel connected and supported. “School needs to be a place that our students want to be, and our staff are eager to return to every day,” she said. “We have to set the tone for what we want to see from others.”
One moment that stands out in her career came during the launch of the Watch D.O.G.S. program, which brings parents and community members into schools to support students. “One of our students was so excited about the interaction he had with his buddy that he reminded his classmates to ‘be good’ and asked when he could see his buddy again,” she recalled. “That student had fewer disciplinary referrals after that day. Small acts can have big impacts.”
Mrs. Upton hopes to continue shaping a positive school culture by encouraging fun, engagement, and shared purpose. “I’ve been part of the self-made Fun Committee for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I want to help make learning enjoyable for students and help teachers stay passionate about their work by creating opportunities for positive interactions and meaningful support.”
Grant Hinson-Assistant Principal-Richmond Senior High School
Grant Hinson will be joining Richmond Senior High School as an assistant principal. He currently teaches English language arts and social studies at East Montgomery Middle School, where he also serves as athletic director. In addition to his work in schools, he is a certified official for multiple sports through the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Pfeiffer University and a Master of School Administration from UNC Pembroke.
Mr. Hinson brings a strong commitment to public service, both in and out of the classroom. He has held elected roles in his community and believes in the importance of building trust and connection with students, families, and staff. “We’re not just teaching individual students; we’re shaping families, building trust, and sometimes becoming a steady presence in their lives,” he said. “That impact can ripple through generations.”
In his new role, he’s looking forward to expanding his reach beyond the classroom. “As an assistant principal, I get to support not just students, but teachers, staff, and families as well,” he said. “I’m especially passionate about mentoring new teachers and helping foster a culture of professional growth and collaboration.”
Mr. Hinson also hopes to help shape a school culture where everyone feels they belong. “I want to create an environment where people feel safe, respected, and heard,” he said. “Students are proud of their school, and staff feel supported and valued.”
Blair Small-Assistant Principal-Mineral Springs Elementary School
Blair Small has been named assistant principal at Mineral Springs Elementary School. With 22 years of experience in education, she brings a strong foundation in classroom instruction, coaching, and leadership. She began her career teaching in Sampson County before joining the staff at Richmond Senior High School. She completed her administrative internship at Jack Britt High School in Cumberland County and currently serves as an instructional coach at Hamlet Middle School.
Mrs. Small holds a Master of Arts in History Education and a Master of School Administration from UNC Pembroke. She is a graduate of the district’s Aspiring Leaders Academy and has served as a mentor for beginning teachers.
When asked what keeps her grounded in education, she points to the relationships she’s built over the years. “The students are the reason I chose education as a career, and they are still my reason,” she said. “Reaching students others deem unreachable, seeing the moment learning occurs, and watching students achieve success are all moments that remind me why I chose this path.”
She’s excited to take on a new challenge in school leadership. “I’ve been a teacher and an instructional coach and have loved both roles,” she said. “Now I’m ready to step into a role that will challenge me even further as an educator.”
At the heart of her approach is a belief in the power of relationships. “Creating a place for students to be themselves and learn in the way that works best for them leads to incredible opportunities,” she said. “A teacher doesn’t become someone’s favorite because of the content they teach—it’s about the relationship. That’s what I’m most proud of: knowing I’ve made even a small difference for a child.”
Director of Beginning Teacher Support – Tina McNeil
Tina McNeil will begin her new role as Director of Beginning Teacher Support and Recruitment on August 1. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she brings a deep understanding of classroom instruction, school leadership, and the importance of supporting educators at every stage of their careers.
Mrs. McNeil began her career in 2003 as a fourth-grade teacher at Monroe Avenue Elementary. Over the years, she has served as an academic coach and assistant principal at both the elementary and high school levels. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Livingstone College and a master’s in school administration from UNC Pembroke.
“Tina’s depth of experience across the district, and commitment to helping teachers made her a strong choice for this position,” said Dr. Tesha Isler, Executive Director of Human Resources. “She understands the challenges of the classroom and the importance of growing strong educators from the start.”
In her new role, Mrs. McNeil will lead efforts to support beginning teachers and strengthen recruitment across the district. She believes that collaboration and communication are key to success and is committed to helping new educators grow into confident, effective professionals. Her guiding philosophy, “where there is a will, there is a way,” reflects her belief in the potential of every student and teacher to succeed with the right support.
Leadership Transitions
In addition to the new appointments, the following principal and assistant principal transitions have also been approved. Each of these changes will take effect at the start of the 2025–2026 school year.
Principal Transitions
Ashley Chapel Educational Center Courtney Pearson
Cordova Middle School Scott Witherow
East Rockingham Elementary School Joy Watson
Hamlet Middle School Monica Robinson
Washington Street School Dina Gunnells
West Rockingham Elementary School Melanie Lee
Assistant Principal Transitions
Fairview Heights Elementary School Rebecca Cagle
LJ Bell Elementary School Jennifer Collard
Rockingham Middle School Neely Herndon
Richmond Senior High School Sammie Barnes
Washington Street School Kaitlynn Elvis