At Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School, Principal Shelia Peterson is currently packing several boxes and preparing for a new journey on July 1. But it’s not an official goodbye.

“I will be in all four middle schools now and I’m looking forward to it,” Peterson said.

After serving RSMS for six years, her boxes are going to the central office of Sampson County Schools (SCS). She was recently named as the director of Middle Grades.

“I think it’s an honor and privilege to be able to serve the community of Sampson County in a larger capacity,” Peterson said.

Peterson is one of many administrators from SCS who are preparing for new positions within the school system. When children start school in a few months, they will be greeted by new principals and assistants. At the central office, some of Peterson’s duties include overseeing middle school curriculum or dealing with other related matters. Before RSMS, she was an assistant principal at Midway High School for two years.

“I enjoyed working with the parents in order to meet the needs of the students,” Peterson said about her time at the schools.

She enjoyed working in the community in order to provide needs for students and teachers.

“I enjoyed going into the classroom, which I will still do,” Peterson said about her new leadership role.

Some of her goals are to improve teacher performance and collaborating with other school administrators. She is appreciative to several school leaders for “showing her the ropes.” The school leaders included Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy; Assistant Superintendent Col. Tommy Macon; Assistant Superintendent Dr. Wendy Cabral; and Rebecca Lockamy, current director of middle grades education, who is retiring soon.

“I totally enjoyed being here at Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School,” Peterson said. “It gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and try some new things and to inspire teachers, students and parents. It has been a very humbling experience.”

The changes were recently announced by Bracy.

“The new school year offers an excellent opportunity to make shifts in administration to ensure that each school is under the very best leadership to make progress,” Bracy said the changes which start Friday, July 1. “I have confidence that these administrators will make smooth transitions and embrace these new positions with enthusiasm.”

Peterson’s duties at RSMS will be continued by Shajuana Sellers, the current principal of Hargrove Elementary School. She’s no stranger to RSMS since she was an assistant principal there for a few years.

“I’m excited about the challenge,” Sellers said. “I have mixed emotions about it and leaving my Hargrove family as well. But I’m excited about the challenge ahead of me and looking forward to continuing to serve the students of Sampson County.”

This is not the only change at RSMS. In a couple of weeks, James “Bo” Mullins, assistant principal of the school, will be principal of Clement Elementary School. Mullins will be replaced by Dr. Amy McMahon, the current assistant principal of Midway Middle School (MMS).

John Goode, principal at MMS, is transferring to Lakewood High School (LHS) as principal. Kevin Hunter, current LHS principal, will become the new leader of MMS.

LHS’s assistant principal La’Chandra Parker is transferring to Hobbton Middle School for the same position. She will take over for India Rich-Moultrie, who is assuming the position of assistant principal at Union Elementary School.

Instructional Coach Dondi Hobbs is going to MMS to become the new assistant principal.

Nicole Peterson was recently named the new principal of Plain View Elementary. According to a news release from Sampson County Schools, she will replace Gaynor Hammond, who’s leaving for an university administrative role. Peterson got an early start and began her duties on June 13.

“Nicole Peterson is a strong leader who will provide the Plain View Elementary students, teachers, parents and community with a smooth transition,” Bracy stated. “I’m confident that Mrs. Peterson will provide excellent leadership for her school.”

Peterson was recently the assistant principal at Union Elementary and social studies teacher at Union High School. She earned the Sampson County Teacher of the Year honor in 2013.

“Over the last decade, Sampson County Schools has prepared me to take this next step in my career as an educator,” Peterson said about her new role at Plain View. “I am truly honored to lead such an exceptional school.”

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.

Changes coming for Sampson County Schools

By Chase Jordan

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John Goode, current principal of Midway Middle School, is transferring to become the principal of Lakewood High School.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Goode_2.jpgJohn Goode, current principal of Midway Middle School, is transferring to become the principal of Lakewood High School.

Shelia Peterson, left, is preparing for a new position with Sampson County Schools as the director of Middle Grades in Central Services. She is pictured with Data Manager Darcilla Owens.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_SCSchanges_2.jpgShelia Peterson, left, is preparing for a new position with Sampson County Schools as the director of Middle Grades in Central Services. She is pictured with Data Manager Darcilla Owens.