The Harnett County Board of Education has approved three educational professional appointments. Dr. Aaron L. Fleming, Superintendent announce principal appointments for the 2021-2022 school year. “I’m excited to have these three individuals join our administrative team and continue their commitment to quality instruction,” said Fleming. All administrative assignments will be effective on July 1, 2021.
Tara J. Thompson Named Principal at Anderson Creek Primary School
Mrs. Tara Johnson Thompson has been selected as principal at Anderson Creek Elementary School. Mrs. Thompson has over 29 years of experience in education, with 26 of those years servicing Harnett County Schools. During her time in Harnett County, Thompson has served as a teacher at Triton and Harnett Central High Schools and an assistant principal of Overhills High and South Harnett Elementary School. “I am honored and humbled that the Harnett County Board of Education decided to give me the opportunity to be the educational leader of Anderson Creek Primary School. Anderson Creek School has a rich tradition in Harnett County that I look forward to being a part of. The community is one I have grown to love and value,” stated Mrs. Thompson.
Thompson is a proud graduate of Triton High School and honored to continue her career in the Harnett County community. Thompson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Math and Social Studies from East Carolina University and a Master of Arts degree in School Administration from North Carolina State University. “My hope is to continue the work that the teachers and staff have been doing for the children of Anderson Creek. I see my role as a facilitative leader,” said Mrs. Thompson. “My goals are to help all the stakeholders of Anderson Creek Primary to see and reach their fullest potential while building lifelong relationships.” Mrs. Thompson has many hobbies and personal interests, including outdoor activities (gardening and watching college softball), traveling, baking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Dyan C. Pope Named Principal at Highland Elementary School
Mrs. Dyan C. Pope has returned to Harnett County Schools as the principal of Highland Elementary School. An educator of 21 years, Pope began her career as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal with Harnett County Schools. She is currently a principal in Moore County Schools.
“What an honor to be selected as the principal of Highland Elementary School! I am excited that I will once again be educating children in an innovative school district that believes in providing a world-class education to all children,” stated Pope.
Mrs. Pope is a member of Countryside Reformed Presbyterian Church in Cameron, North Carolina, and an active participant in the Northern Moore Rotary Club, North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association (NCPAPA), and the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA). “Highland is a wonderful learning community with an exceptional school team that values passion, kindness, integrity, resilience & teamwork through the support of a trusted partnership with parents, family, and community members,” said Pope. “I look forward to continuing a journey of success as a Pirate, and I am deeply humbled that I am and will continue to be blessed with this great opportunity!”
Pope earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from Campbell University, continued her studies, and received a Master of School Administration from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Mrs. Pope and her husband, Kevin, have three sons. Her hobbies and personal interests include hiking, reading, and spending time with her six beautiful grandchildren.
Renee Gilmore Named Principal at Johnsonville Elementary School
Mrs. Renee Gilmore has been named principal of Johnsonville Elementary School, where she currently serves as the assistant principal. Gilmore resides in Lillington, North Carolina, and is a proud mother of three children. A native of Harnett County, Gilmore attended Methodist College, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and later received a Master’s degree in School Administration from Campbell University. “It is my goal to make a positive impact in the lives of the students at Johnsonville Elementary School and to help them reach their full potential. I am excited about the upcoming school year and can’t wait to get started as Principal,” stated Mrs. Gilmore.
Gilmore began her educational career at Henley-Roberts Head Start and began her teaching career with Harnett County Schools over 20 years ago. During her time in Harnett County, Gilmore served the Johnsonville community as a teacher and instructional coach. Gilmore was awarded Johnsonville Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year in 2005 and 2010. Gilmore is a proud member of the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association (NCPAPA).
Mrs. Gilmore is honored to serve as the principal at Johnsonville Elementary School. “You can be assured that when your children enter our doors each day, they will be in a caring and nurturing environment where Learning is the Priority! I look forward to working together with the teachers, parents, and students at Johnsonville,” said Gilmore.
