Leadership moves set for 2025–26 in Burke schools

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan announced Thursday a series of leadership changes for the 2025–26 school year, including new principal appointments and dual administrative roles prompted by retirements across the district.

Swan announced the following principal and director changes for the upcoming academic year:

• Daniel Wall, director of Child Nutrition, will take on a dual role as director of transportation.
• Ginger Stinson, principal of Heritage Middle School, will transition to a district-level coordinator role, overseeing the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), GEAR UP, and Career and College Promise programs.
• Erin Wall, principal at Ray Childers Elementary School, will become the new principal of Heritage Middle School.
• Lauren Huffman, principal of North Liberty, will take on the role of principal at Ray Childers Elementary School.
• Sarah Call, assistant principal at Walter Johnson Middle School, has been appointed principal of North Liberty School.
• Tosha Haskins, principal at W.A. Young Elementary School, will step into the role of principal at Table Rock Middle School.
• Melissa Street, assistant principal at Table Rock Middle School, has been named the new principal of W.A. Young Elementary School.

The moves are the result of several retirements in the system, including Transportation Director Shane Gardner, MTSS and GEAR UP Coordinator Jennifer Hawkins, and Table Rock Middle School Principal Heather Hollifield.

“We celebrate and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the three valued members of our administrative team who are retiring,” Swan stated. “Their careers have been marked by dedication and service to public education, and we thank them for the impact they’ve made on our schools and community.

“While our priority is to maintain consistency by keeping principals in place whenever possible, we recognize that retirements naturally create a ripple effect of leadership transitions,” he added. “Change, while sometimes difficult, also brings new energy, fresh perspectives and opportunities for growth. I’m confident that these leadership moves will strengthen our schools and support our district’s continued progress.”

Swan said he is especially excited for current administrators who are stepping into new positions in the district.

“These transitions reflect both the depth of leadership we have in our district and our commitment to professional growth,” he said. “Together, we remain focused on what matters most: the success and well-being of every student we serve.”

In an email to staff announcing the decisions following Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Swan said, “As we conclude another successful school year, we are excited to turn our focus to the upcoming 2025-26 school year. As we approach the final weeks of this school year, let’s continue working together to finish strong and make this year’s conclusion both memorable and impactful.”