Lenoir County Public Schools is pleased to announce several administrative changes for the 2026-2027 school year. These leaders bring extensive experience, a passion for education, and a strong commitment to student achievement as they step into their new roles.

Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, Director, High School Curriculum and Career & Technical Education

Dr. Elizabeth Pierce has been named Director of High School Curriculum and Career & Technical Education, succeeding Dr. Amy Jones, who will be transitioning to a regional Career and Technical Education leadership role with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

A native of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, Dr. Pierce joined Lenoir County Public Schools as a North Carolina Principal Fellow after serving seven years as an elementary teacher in Pitt County Schools. Following an internship at South Lenoir High School in 2013, she served as assistant principal at Kinston High School, Rochelle Middle School, and Woodington Middle School. She later led Moss Hill Elementary School, E.B. Frink Middle School, and South Lenoir High School as principal.

Dr. Pierce was selected as LCPS Principal of the Year and was subsequently named Southeast Region Principal of the Year. Throughout her career, she has served on numerous state-level boards and committees and recently earned her doctorate from East Carolina University. Her experience, leadership, and dedication to student success make her exceptionally well-suited for this district leadership role.

Jeremy Barnett, Principal, South Lenoir High School

A graduate of South Lenoir High School, Barnett has spent his entire educational career in LCPS. He began as a social studies teacher and head men's basketball coach at South Lenoir before earning his Master of School Administration degree and becoming an assistant principal at Kinston High School. He later served as principal of Moss Hill Elementary School and most recently as principal of Woodington Middle School.

Barnett's strong relationships with students, staff, and community members, combined with his deep connection to South Lenoir, position him well to lead the school into its next chapter.

David Combs, Principal, Woodington Middle School

A native of Wayne County, Combs played football at Appalachian State University and baseball at the University of Mount Olive. He served as a physical education teacher and head varsity baseball coach at South Lenoir High School from 2012 to 2023 before earning his Master of School Administration degree through East Carolina University's Principal Fellows Program and Pirate Leadership Academy.

In 2023, Combs was named assistant principal at South Lenoir High School. Since then, he has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to supporting students and staff. He now brings that experience to Woodington Middle School.

Amy White, Principal, Banks Elementary School

Amy White will be succeeding Dr. Heather Lancaster, who is stepping away to spend additional time with her family. White has dedicated her entire educational career to Lenoir County Public Schools. She began teaching at Contentnea Elementary School in 2005 and was named Lenoir County Teacher of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year. Recognized throughout her career for excellence in instruction and instructional leadership, White later earned her Master of School Administration degree from East Carolina University.

For the past five years, she has served as assistant principal at Kinston High School, where she has played a key role in supporting students, staff, and school improvement efforts. She now returns to the elementary level to lead Banks Elementary School.

Julie Rouse, Principal, Pink Hill Elementary School

Julie Rouse will be succeeding Lee Ann Hardy, who is retiring. A graduate of North Lenoir High School, Rouse began her career as a teacher at Northwest Elementary School before joining the staff at Pink Hill Elementary School. During her teaching career, she was named her school's Teacher of the Year and was later selected as one of three finalists for Lenoir County Teacher of the Year.

After earning her Master of School Administration degree from East Carolina University, Rouse spent 12 years serving as curriculum specialist and digital learning specialist at Pink Hill Elementary. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at North Lenoir High School.

Throughout her career, Rouse has demonstrated exceptional strengths in instructional leadership, data analysis, and strategic planning while advocating for students, teachers, and families.

Larry Dale, Assistant Principal, Kinston High School

Dale holds degrees in mathematics and physical education and has spent much of his career teaching advanced mathematics courses, including AP Calculus and Math III. He is also an accomplished varsity football coach.

After joining North Lenoir High School as head football coach, he taught physical education, weightlifting, mathematics, and exceptional children's courses. Dale later earned a Principal Fellows scholarship through East Carolina University's Pirate Leadership Academy and completed his preparation for school leadership. He brings a wealth of instructional and coaching experience to his new role.

Austin Reese, Assistant Principal, North Lenoir High School

Reese joined LCPS as a teacher at Banks Elementary School after graduating from East Carolina University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She later earned a master's degree in elementary education, a certificate in teaching students living in poverty, and a Master of School Administration degree from UNC Greensboro.

Over the past two years, Reese has served as both digital learning specialist and curriculum specialist at Banks Elementary. During Dr. Heather Lancaster's leave this year, Reese successfully served as acting principal, further demonstrating her leadership abilities and commitment to school success.

Jodi Peele, Assistant Principal, South Lenoir High School

A graduate of South Lenoir High School, Peele has spent nearly her entire career serving students in Lenoir County Public Schools. She has taught at both Moss Hill Elementary School and Pink Hill Elementary School and most recently served as digital learning specialist at Pink Hill.

Peele earned a Pirate Leadership Academy scholarship through East Carolina University's Principal Fellows Program and completed her Master of School Administration degree at ECU. Her experience, dedication, and leadership skills will serve South Lenoir High School well in her new role.

The district also recognizes the outstanding service of the leaders whose transitions created these opportunities. Dr. Amy Jones, a lifelong LCPS educator who served as a teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, principal, and most recently Director of High School Curriculum and Career & Technical Education, has accepted a regional CTE leadership position with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Her leadership has helped strengthen workforce development opportunities for students across Lenoir County, and the district wishes her continued success in her new role.

LCPS also extends its appreciation to Dr. Heather Lancaster, who is stepping away from education to focus on her family.. During her career, she served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at both Southwood Elementary and Banks Elementary, helping lead schools to significant academic growth and success.

The district congratulates Lee Anne Hardy on her retirement. Mrs. Hardy dedicated nearly her entire career to LCPS, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal of Pink Hill Elementary School since 2012. Her commitment to students, staff, and families has left a lasting impact on the Pink Hill community.

Lenoir County Public Schools congratulates each of these leaders and looks forward to the positive impact they will continue to make for students, staff, and families across the district.