Leadership Updates Second Semester 2025-2026 School Year
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To ensure strong leadership and continuity for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year, the Board of Education has approved the following school leadership assignments. We congratulate each leader on their new role and thank them for their continued commitment to our schools, students, and staff.
NEW PRINCIPAL ASSIGNMENTS
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Michelle Lelowicz, Principal, Oaks Road Academy![]()
Ms. Lelowicz holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and an Education Specialist (EdS) degree, and is currently working toward a doctorate in Behavioral Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has spent 15 years in education as a classroom teacher and 2.5 years in school administration, experiences that have shaped her belief in high expectations, strong relationships, and data-informed decision making.
Most recently, Ms. Lelowicz had the privilege of serving as the assistant principal at H.J., where she worked closely with an exceptional staff and a supportive school community. During her time there, she witnessed meaningful growth in both student achievement and school culture. She is especially grateful for the opportunity to have worked under the leadership of Principal Swain, whose guidance and vision challenged her to grow as a leader and strengthened her practice.
Ms. Lelowicz is excited to step into this role at Oaks Road Academy, where early literacy and writing are critical to long-term student success. Ms. Lelowicz shares, “Beginning this work early allows the staff to build a strong academic foundation so every student develops the skills they need to read confidently, write effectively, and thrive as they progress through their educational journey. I am committed to partnering with families, staff, and the community to support student growth and success. I look forward to getting to know the Oaks Road Academy community and continuing this important work together.”
Dr. Courtney Merkel, Principal, W. J. Gurganus Elementary School
Courtney Merkel has been with Craven County Schools since 2008. She has served as a media coordinator and elementary classroom teacher and, for the past five years, has worked as an assistant principal at both the elementary and middle school levels.
Mrs. Merkel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in School Administration with a Curriculum and Instruction endorsement from East Carolina University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at East Carolina University and plans to graduate this coming May.
Mrs. Merkel is married to her husband, Edward Merkel, a retired Marine, and they have two children. Their son, Ryan, serves in the United States Army, and their daughter, Sarah, is a graduate of North Carolina State University who currently resides in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Merkel is excited to join the Gator family and looks forward to continuing to serve the Havelock community she proudly calls home.
Kimberly Scott, Principal, Trent Park Elementary School
Ms. Kimberly Scott is honored to join the Trent Park Elementary family as Principal. Trent Park holds special meaning for Ms. Scott, as she taught at the school earlier in her career.
With over 20 years of experience in education and 11 years as a school administrator, Ms. Scott brings extensive expertise in both teaching and school leadership. She has served in leadership roles across multiple schools, supporting engaging instruction, positive school culture, and student-centered practices. Her work has focused on strengthening teaching and learning, using data to guide decision-making, and supporting systems that meet the academic and behavioral needs of all students.
In 2014, Ms. Scott was named Craven County Schools Teacher of the Year, reflecting her dedication to educational excellence. She has served on the district MTSS team and held National Board Certification from 2013 to 2023, demonstrating a strong commitment to professional growth and high-quality instruction. Ms. Scott earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Marywood University and her Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She also completed additional coursework through UNC Wilmington to obtain add-on licensure in Academically or Intellectually Gifted Education. Ms. Scott holds North Carolina licensure in Elementary Education (K–6), Academically or Intellectually Gifted Education (K–12), Music (K–12), and Principal (K–12).
Outside of school, Ms. Scott is actively involved in the community. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Craven County Partners in Education and the RiverTowne Players Education Committee. She also enjoys serving as Musical Director for many of the local productions. Most recently, she served as Musical Director for Anastasia the Musical and Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical.
Ms. Scott believes strong schools are built through collaboration, relationships, and shared responsibility for student success. Returning to Trent Park as Principal feels like coming home, and she looks forward to working alongside students, staff, families, and the community to support every child’s growth and success.
Dr. Nanette Walston-Moore, Interim Principal, Havelock Middle School
Dr. Nannette Walston-Moore, a proud Craven County native, brings 16 years of dedicated educational experience to her new role as Principal of Havelock Middle School. She has spent nearly her entire career within Craven County Schools, serving the district for 15 impactful years.
With a professional background in Career and Technical Education (CTE), she offers a practical and forward-thinking approach to student success. Her transition to the principalship follows an impressive four-and-a-half-year tenure as an Assistant Principal, where she refined her leadership skills. Dr. Walston-Moore is deeply honored to lead the HMS family and is eager to begin this new chapter.
She looks forward to building strong partnerships with students, staff, and the surrounding community.
PRINCIPAL TRANSITIONS
Ashley Faulkenberry, Principal, Creekside Elementary School
Ms. Faulkenberry is a wife, mother, and educator. She has been married to her wonderful husband, Roy Faulkenberry, for nearly 13 years, and together they have two amazing, energetic children — Emerson (10) and Mason (6).
Ms. Faulkenberry has dedicated 18 years to education, all within Craven County Schools. She began her career teaching at J.T. Barber and Creekside Elementary, then served as an administrator at Havelock Elementary (2012–2015), West Craven Middle (2014–2016), and most recently as principal of Trent Park Elementary beginning in the 2017–18 school year.
Ms. Faulkenberry is a New Bern native and proud product of Craven County Schools — first as a student, then as a teacher, and now as an administrator. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, reading, and relaxing at the beach whenever she can.
Ms. Faulkenberry shares, “I look forward to returning to my Creekside Elementary family this school year with high expectations and a commitment to nothing less than success."
Derek McCoy, Principal, Havelock Elementary School
During his tenure, Derek McCoy has remained true to his mission to serve needy populations to the best of his ability. He has been a middle school math teacher and Math Coach in GA and NC.
He's also served two schools as an assistant principal. All of his 16 years as middle school principal have been in several NC districts. The National Association of Secondary School Principals awarded him National Digital Principal of the Year. In addition, he has been the contributor to several books and the co-author of, "The Revolution: Its Time to Empower Change in Our Schools."
Most recently, Mr. McCoy served as principal on the team that moved Havelock Middle from Low Perfoming to Exceeding Growth [the only middle school in Craven this year] and every teacher met or exceeded growth. He now serves as the proud principal of Havelock Elementary.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monkea Bryant, Interim Assistant Principal, H.J. MacDonald Middle School
Ms. Bryant was born and raised in New Bern, NC specifically the Greater Duffyfield community and is a product of Craven County Schools. She attended both Trent Park and Ben D. Quinn Elementary Schools, HJ MacDonald Middle School and she is a graduate of New Bern High School.
Ms. Bryant has proudly served Craven County schools for 7 ½ years. She began her career as a 7th grade Social Studies teacher, later gaining experience teaching both 7th and 8th grade ELA and Social Studies. Her most recent role for the past year and half has been the Lead MTSS Interventionist with all of her experience being at HJM, home of the Warcubs!!
Ms. Bryant received her Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice degree from ECU, go Pirates. She received a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University and a Masters of Arts in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University.
In her role as Interim Assistant Principal, she is committed to supporting teachers and students through collaborative leadership and focus on academic and social-emotional growth. Ms. Bryant shares, “My goal is to support student achievement by fostering a positive school culture, strengthening instructional practices, and partnering with staff and families. I look forward to continuing to serve the students and families at HJM as well as our community!”
Michelle Wall, Interim Assistant Principal, J.T. Barber Elementary School
Mrs. Wall brings nearly 30 years of experience at the elementary level. As a classroom teacher for 19 years in both Haywood and Craven counties, she taught first grade, second grade, and worked with grades K-3 as a Title I reading interventionist. She was selected twice as Teacher Ambassador for Bridgeton Elementary School.
Once she transitioned to school administration, she served as the assistant principal at James W. Smith Elementary School for six years, then at Ben D. Quinn Elementary School for four years before she retired at the end of June 2025.
Despite her retirement last summer, Mrs. Wall remains involved in supporting educators through her work with Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for key women educators. In the local Alpha Psi chapter, she currently serves as president and previously held the roles of vice president, corresponding secretary and committee chair.
Mrs. Wall holds a Graduate Certificate in School Leadership from Appalachian State University, a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Western Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University.
Mrs. Wall and her husband, Sandy, are both natives of North Carolina. They have been married nearly 30 years and have lived in New Bern since 2002.
Mr. Wall shares, “I am eager to support this school in its commitment to learning. I look forward to getting to know the students and families of this school community.”