Craven County Schools Announces Additional Leadership Appointments for the 2026-2027 School Year

NEW BERN, N.C. — Craven County Schools is pleased to announce additional leadership appointments for the 2026-2027 school year, effective July 1, 2026.

These leaders bring a wide range of experience, dedication, and passion for serving students, staff, families, and communities across the district. Their knowledge, leadership, and commitment to student success will help support continued growth and excellence throughout Craven County Schools.

Please join Craven County Schools in congratulating and welcoming the following leaders to their new roles:

---

Ashton Venters, Director of Elementary Education

Ashton Venters brings more than 15 years of experience in public education and a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and educational leadership. Her career spans classroom teaching, instructional coaching, and district-level leadership, where she has supported instructional improvement and professional learning across elementary schools in Pitt County.

Venters holds three degrees from East Carolina University: a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Reading Education, and a Master of School Administration. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Appalachian State University. Her expertise includes curriculum development, literacy leadership, professional learning, coaching systems, and the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices.

Throughout her career, Venters has focused on building teacher and leadership capacity, developing sustainable systems of support, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality instruction.

“I am honored to join the Craven County Schools family and eager to work alongside dedicated educators and leaders to support excellence for every student,” said Venters.

---

Candice Strickland, Alternative Learning Facilitator

Candice Strickland brings nearly two decades of dedicated educational experience and leadership to her new role as Alternative Learning Facilitator.

She began her career in education in 2007 with Beaufort County Schools, serving as a classroom teacher at Chocowinity Primary School. She transitioned into administration in the fall of 2014, serving as an Assistant Principal at Northeast Elementary School before transferring to Bath Elementary School to continue her administrative leadership. In 2019, Strickland proudly joined the Craven County Schools family, working closely with staff, students, and families at A.H. Bangert Elementary School.

Strickland earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and completed her Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Gardner-Webb University in August 2014.

As she steps into this new chapter, Strickland is highly motivated to bring her expertise and leadership to secondary education. She looks forward to partnering closely with students, families, and school teams to support those who benefit from flexible and tailored pathways to success.

---

Monkea Bryant, Assistant Principal, New Bern High School

Monkea Bryant joins New Bern High School as Assistant Principal with eight years of dedicated service in Craven County Schools.

Throughout her career, Bryant has served as a seventh- and eighth-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, Lead MTSS Interventionist, and, most recently, Interim Assistant Principal at H.J. MacDonald Middle School.

During her time at H.J. MacDonald Middle School, Bryant played a key role in supporting student achievement through data-driven decision-making, Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and collaborative leadership. Beyond the classroom, she built meaningful relationships with students as the Girls Track Coach and Assistant Cheer Coach. She was also named the “Warcub Warrior” for the 2023-2024 school year in recognition of her dedication and service to the school community.

Bryant earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and teacher licensure from East Carolina University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, and a Master of Arts in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University.

As Assistant Principal at New Bern High School, Bryant is committed to fostering a positive and supportive school culture in which students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, while empowering teachers and staff to reach their full potential. She looks forward to working alongside students, families, staff, and the community to continue strengthening the tradition of excellence at New Bern High School while making a positive impact on the lives of students throughout Craven County Schools.

---

Nancy Foster, Assistant Principal, West Craven Middle School

Nancy Foster brings 11 years of experience in public education to her new role as Assistant Principal at West Craven Middle School.

Foster has a strong background in middle school mathematics and earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration. She previously served as a math instructional coach for three years, focusing on supporting teacher growth and improving student outcomes.

While the majority of her educational career was spent in Texas, Foster has dedicated the past two years to serving students in Craven County Schools as a mathematics teacher at both Havelock Middle School and H.J. MacDonald Middle School.

Foster is excited to step into this new leadership role and looks forward to collaborating with the educators and staff at West Craven Middle School while supporting students and the broader school community.

---

Tiana Greene, Assistant Principal, West Craven Middle School

Tiana Greene is excited to join the West Craven Middle School family as Assistant Principal.

With nearly 15 years of experience in education, Greene began her career as a lateral entry teacher in Nash County, serving as a high school English teacher. She later taught in Wake and Lenoir counties. As a teacher, she held numerous leadership roles, including English II Lead Teacher, Distinguished Teachers Chair, and College and Career Readiness Chair. She also earned certifications in International Baccalaureate and AP Language and Composition.

Greene was selected to attend Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and was chosen as Teacher of the Year at Rolesville High School in Wake County, though she was unable to accept the honor due to her transition to Craven County Schools.

Since joining Craven County Schools in 2020, Greene has served as the District Secondary Coach for English Language Arts and Social Studies, Instructional Coach, and Administrative Intern. During this time, she has focused on supporting student achievement through instructional coaching, literacy initiatives, and teacher development.

Greene recently completed the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program and earned a Master of School Administration in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina State University and a Master of Education from Post University.

Greene is passionate about building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners while fostering a positive school culture centered on academic excellence, collaboration, and growth. She looks forward to partnering with the close-knit West Craven community to support student success and strengthen connections between the school and its stakeholders.

Drawing on her experience in literacy leadership and instructional coaching, Greene is committed to empowering teachers, promoting high-quality instruction, and creating a safe, supportive environment where all students can thrive. She is honored to serve the Wildcat family and help cultivate a culture of West Pride.

---

Craven County Schools congratulates each of these leaders on their new appointments. We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to the continued growth, success, and opportunities their leadership will help support throughout our schools.