SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Public Schools announced administration transitions Thursday for the JCPS Virtual Academy and the Innovation Academy at South Campus.
Patsy Elrod resigned from her position as the Principal of the Virtual Academy. Kelley Johnson will transition into the role of Principal of the JCPS Virtual Academy on Tuesday, September 7. Stephen “Chris” Barnett, currently the Assistant Principal at Innovation Academy, will serve as interim Principal of the Innovation Academy until a permanent replacement is named.
“We thank Mrs. Elrod for the service she provided in launching the district’s newest school and first virtual academy, as well as her service to JCPS over the last decade,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy.
Johnson has a strong background in education, and has served as a middle and high school teacher, curriculum coach, high school assistant principal, central office administrator, and most recently since it opened in 2017 as the Principal of the JCPS Innovation Academy. There, she built strong relationships with staff, students, families, and the local community, and IASC has experienced great successes. For example, the Innovation Academy was 1 of 15 schools in the United States chosen to represent the country at the I Can Global Summit in Rome, Italy because of their work around addressing suffering in the community.
Johnson’s office will remain located on the Innovation Academy campus, where she will be able to assist Mr. Barnett during the transition period.
“To say I will miss my Pioneer family is a gross understatement, but I will remain close-by and will continue to interact. I am deeply vested in our school’s success.” said Johnson. “I am excited to step into this new role and the opportunity to build culture and community with JCPS Virtual Academy students and their families.”
