The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education appointed eight new principals to lead schools in the 2026-27 school year:
Natassha Jenkins – Konnoak Middle School
Brittany Barnes – Jefferson Middle School
Janet Materdo – Smith Farm Elementary School
Katie Prusko – Meadowlark Elementary School
Janel Sharpe – Union Cross Elementary School
Christon Anderson – Diggs Latham Elementary School
Daniel Bryant – Southwest Elementary School
Sohanna Breeden – Ward Elementary School
Seven of these eight appointees have participated in the district’s Leader Equity Advancement Pipeline (LEAP) program, which trains current employees to advance in leadership opportunities. Chief of Schools Dr. Timisha Barnes-Jones says that this wave of new principals from the program is an endorsement of the district’s preparation for seamless transitions, as well as its commitment to maintaining high leadership standards.
“This serves as a powerful testament to the impact of our leadership development work,” Dr. Barnes-Jones said. “This milestone reflects our intentional commitment to growing our own leaders and ensuring every school is led by a highly effective principal who is prepared to meet the needs of our students and communities.”
Jenkins served as an instructional coach and administrator at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy and Wiley Magnet Middle School before becoming a principal in Halifax County in 2022. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and history and Master of Arts degrees in multicultural education and school administration from North Carolina State University. She begins her new role on June 15.
Barnes has been an assistant principal at Wiley Magnet Middle School since 2020 and previously taught at Walkertown Middle School and Whitaker Elementary School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in middle grades education and a Master of School Administration degree from North Carolina State University. She begins her new role on June 1.
Materdo is a current assistant principal at Reynolds High School and a former WS/FCS Core Awards Teacher of the Year. She holds a Post-Masters Certificate in Educational Administration from High Point University, a Master of Education degree in international teaching from Framingham University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University. She begins her new role on June 1.
Prusko will be promoted from her current post as an assistant principal at Meadowlark Elementary. She previously taught at Clemmons Middle School and Paisley IB Magnet School. She holds a Master of Science degree in school administration from Appalachian State University, a Master of Science degree in education from Wilkes University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary English education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She begins her new role on June 1.
Sharpe is an assistant principal at Hanes Magnet School and previously served as an assistant principal at Kimberely Park Elementary School and a teacher at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy. She holds a Master of School Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a post-baccalaureate degree in education from East Carolina University, and a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. She begins her new role on June 1.
Anderson is an assistant principal at Forest Park Elementary School and has served various WS/FCS campuses as a teacher, learning coach, instructional facilitator, and more. She holds Doctor of Education and Education Specialist degrees from Appalachian State University, as well as Master of Education and Bachelor of Science in elementary education degrees from Winston-Salem State University. She begins her new role on July 1.
Bryant is a principal in Stokes County who previously served as an assistant principal and teacher at Jefferson Middle School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of School Administration from Appalachian State University. He begins his new role on June 15.
Breeden serves as an assistant principal at Old Town Elementary School and began her educational career 22 years ago as a teacher at Konnoak Elementary School. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and elementary education from Winston-Salem State University, a master’s degree in elementary mathematics and an Educational Specialist Degree from Walden University, and a School Administration Certification from Gardner-Webb University. She begins her new role on July 1.