Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools Jan/Feb 2019 | Page 8

UCPS names 2018 Principal of the Year finalists
Every year, Union County Public Schools (UCPS) recognizes a
principal who not only exemplifies outstanding leadership but also
works tirelessly to establish an environment that is conducive to
the pursuit and achievement of academic excellence.
Ten UCPS Principal of the Year finalists have been selected
from a pool of more than 50 principals. The winner was
announced on Oct. 4th, see page 7 for details.
Congratulations to the Principal of the Year finalists:
Fairview Elementary – Kelly Thomas
Kelly Thomas began her career in UCPS
as a Piedmont Middle teacher in 1996.
After working as a counselor at Unionville
Elementary, Kelly served as assistant
principal at Fairview Elementary for three
years before being named principal in 2006. Sandy Ridge Elementary – Emily Kraftson
Emily Kraftson began her career in UCPS
as a Porter Ridge Elementary tutor in 2011.
After working as a Weddington Elementary
school counselor in 2011, Emily served
as assistant principal at Weddington
Elementary for three years before being
named principal at Sandy Ridge Elementary
in 2017.
Indian Trail Elementary – Gina Chisum
Gina Chisum began her career in UCPS as a
teacher assistant at Indian Trail Elementary
in 2001 before working as a teacher in
2004. After taking on a role as Instructional
Technology Facilitator in 2012 with UCPS’
technology department, Gina served as
assistant principal of Indian Trail for two
years before being named principal of
Indian Trail Elementary in 2017. Union County Early College –
Dr. Stephanie McManus
Dr. Stephanie McManus began her career in
UCPS as an English teacher. She served as
assistant principal at Marshville Elementary
and Weddington elementary schools as
well as principal at Wolfe School, Poplin
Elementary and Parkwood High before being
named principal of Union County Early
College in 2016.
Marvin Ridge High – Donna Cook
Donna Cook began her career in UCPS as
a teacher at Wesley Chapel and Unionville
Elementary schools. In addition to working
as an assistant principal and principal at
Unionville Elementary, she went on to serve
as principal of Rea View Elementary in 2007
before coming to Marvin Ridge High in
2014. Union Elementary – Jennifer Deaton
Jennifer Deaton began her teaching career
at Fairview Elementary. She served as
assistant principal at Fairview Elementary in
2006 before being named principal at Union
Elementary in 2011.
Parkwood High – Carole Alley
Carole Alley began her career in UCPS as a
teacher and athletic director at Weddington
High. She served as assistant principal at
Monroe High before joining Parkwood High
as principal in 2016.
Piedmont High – Dr. Jonathan Tyson
Dr. Jonathan Tyson began his teaching
career at East Union Middle in 2001.
From there, he taught served as assistant
principal at Forest Hills High in 2008 before
joining Piedmont High as principal in 2012.
6 • Nov/Dec 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine 
Waxhaw Elementary – Eric Doan
Eric Doan started his career in UCPS as a
teacher assistant at Wingate Elementary
in 2002. After working for four years as a
teacher in 2004, Eric served as assistant
principal at Wingate, Prospect and Wesley
Chapel elementary schools before being
named principal of Waxhaw Elementary in
2014.
Weddington Middle - Marcus Leake
Marcus Leake began his teaching career in
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where he
taught science and math and later served
as an assistant principal. After transitioning
to UCPS in 2007 as an assistant principal
at Weddington High, Marcus also served as
assistant principal at Weddington Middle in
2014 before being named principal in 2015.