At the personnel meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023 the Yancey County Board of Education approved Dr. Brent Laws as the principal of Burnsville Elementary School. Dr. Laws replaces Mrs. Sherry Robinson, who is retiring from Yancey County Schools after 27 years of service. Dr. Laws has 14 years of experience as a math teacher and the principal at South Toe Elementary. He and his wife, Carrie, live in Burnsville with their son.
“My son Oliver and I cherish the time shared with the South Toe School community, particularly, the student body. We bid everyone a fond farewell! I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Burnsville Elementary School,” shared Dr. Laws. “As a young child in the 1990s, I remember touring Yancey County’s newest school. The same childhood excitement, wonder, and curiosity is with me today. Burnsville Elementary is blessed with phenomenal faculty, staff, students, and parents. Each child is wonderfully created with infinite potential. Children have purpose; they have a place in the Cosmos. I will endeavor to preserve the tradition of excellence by growing our students academically, socially, and emotionally.”
In other action, the Board named Ms. Julia Silvers as the new principal of South Toe Elementary School. “I am honored for the opportunity to serve as the principal of South Toe Elementary School. I look forward to working with the students, teachers and community to provide the best educational experience possible,” said Ms. Silvers.
“I have been employed with Yancey County Schools for the past 24 years. I have had the opportunity to work as a computer lab assistant, 2nd and 4th grade classroom teacher, and media coordinator.
“I would consider myself a lifelong learner earning an associate in arts degree from Mayland Community College, bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Lees-McRea College, master’s of library science from Appalachian State University, and a masters degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb University.
“I am a lifelong resident of Yancey County and have been blessed with three children and five grandchildren, and enjoy spending time with them as often as possible.”
The Board also named Mr. Ryan Ray as the new assistant principal at Mountain Heritage High School. Mr. Ray has 8 years of administrative experience at Mayland Community College and 3 years as a math teacher at Mountain Heritage High School. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Burnsville with their 7 month old son.
Mr. Ray stated, “It has been a privilege to teach the students of Yancey County during the past several years. I appreciate the confidence and trust that has been placed in me, and am looking forward to serving students in a new role.”
Dr. Laws, Ms. Silvers and Mr. Ray applied for these respective positions as they desire to further their professional careers by continuing to learn and grow all while serving our students, families and communities.
“We are thrilled to promote Dr. Laws, Ms. Silvers and Mr. Ray,” shared Superintendent Kathy Amos. “Each of them are strong educational leaders who work hard and are well prepared to lead their schools. Congratulations to our newest administrative team members.”
