Buncombe County – A couple of changes in Buncombe County Schools’ administrative positions for the new school year have taken place.
As the new school year approaches, Buncombe County Schools (BCS) announces significant changes to its administrative team aimed at enhancing educational excellence and student support. Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson has appointed two accomplished educators to critical roles, effective immediately.
Anna Austin, a respected figure within BCS, has been appointed as the principal of Buncombe County Early College & Middle College and the Buncombe County Center for Career Innovation. Her exceptional journey in the education field spans over 26 years, during which she has held various influential positions in Buncombe County Schools. Notably, Austin served as the Assistant Principal of Buncombe County Early and Middle College from 2022 to the present, prior to which she was an administrator at Johnston Elementary School from 2018 to 2023 and the Assistant Principal at Erwin High School from 2015 to 2018. Her passion for education has been evident since her earlier days as an elementary teacher from 1998 to 2005.
Educated at Mars Hill University and Western Carolina University, Austin holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s in School Administration. Beyond her academic qualifications, she has been actively involved in various educational organizations, serving as a member of the United Way Education Focus Group from 2011 to 2013, the National Education Association’s New Programs and Products Committee from 2008 to 2009, and as the Chairperson of the NC Teacher Academy Board of Directors from 2008 to 2011, among other roles. Her vast experience and commitment make her the perfect candidate to fill the role previously held by Dr. Donna Lanahan, who now serves as the Director of Secondary Education.
Additionally, Michele F. Smith will assume the vital position of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director. With an impressive 31 years of service to her name, Smith brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She has a diverse background within BCS, having served as a Career Coordinator and Classroom Teacher, including positions as the BCS Middle School Career Development Coordinator and Project Lead the Way from 2019 to the present, the Career Development Coordinator for Reynolds High School from 2013 to 2019, and a Business and Information Technology Instructor at North Buncombe High School from 2000 to 2013.
Smith’s academic achievements include degrees from UNC-Asheville and Western Carolina University, as well as a Master’s in Secondary Education. Her dedication and excellence in education have been recognized with several accolades, including the Western Region 2018 Instructional Management Coordinator of the Year, the Western Region Career Guidance Professional of the Year 2017, and distinctions like the 2004 Teacher of the Year and the 2001 Crystal Apple Award.
These new appointments are part of BCS’s commitment to providing a dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team that can effectively guide and support the educational journey of its students in the county. The school board looks forward to witnessing the positive impact these administrators will have on Buncombe County Schools.