Wayne County Public Schools

During its monthly meeting this week, the Wayne County Board of Education approved the following Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) principal hire:

Wayne Middle/High Academy assistant principal, Darlene Hodges, was named the new principal of the district's alternative school. She is replacing Dr. Theresa Cox, who retired at the end of December.

“Ms. Hodges brings with her 20 years of experience across key disciplines that will be greatly beneficial to this school and the district's alternative learning program, including but not limited to social work, adult probation, behavioral support, integrated academic and behavior systems coordination, and school administration," states Dr. Marc Whichard, WCPS superintendent. “Her experience and complex understanding of comprehensive approaches and frameworks for supporting students academically and behaviorally will be invaluable in her efforts to build staff capacity, increase student engagement and success, and work with district leadership to develop a greater vision for how alternative learning can occur for some of the district's most vulnerable populations.”

Prior to joining WCPS in 2016 as a behavioral specialist/PBIS Coordinator with the district's Exceptional Children's Department, Ms. Hodges served as a social worker with the Wayne Action Group for Economic Solvency, Inc. (WAGES), an Early Child Ready to Read Program Coordinator with the Wayne County Public Library, and an Adult Probation/Parole Officer II with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Since transitioning to public education, she has been a district leader in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). In addition to being a professional support to school leadership teams, Ms. Hodges has served on district and state teams and led professional development sessions at conferences and other events. Ms. Hodges holds a bachelor’s degree in communications, a master’s degree in general administration, and a master's degree in social work. She holds licensures in school administration and school social work.

"As principal of Wayne Middle/High Academy, I will work collaboratively with staff, students, parents, community, district leaders, and my secondary school counterparts to provide the necessary academic, behavior, and social and emotional supports to help students successfully complete our alternative education program and return and thrive in the traditional school setting," states Ms. Hodges.

Ms. Hodges will begin her new role immediately.

"With more than 30 years of education service as a teacher and school administrator, I would be remiss if I did not thank Dr. Cox for her leadership and dedication to public education," adds Dr. Whichard. "We wish her a well-earned retirement."

On Monday evening, the Board also approved the following assistant principal changes: Dr. Terrence Green (Wayne Middle/High Academy), M. Tracey Jones (Southern Wayne High), Parker King (Dillard Middle), Melissa Sanders (Spring Creek Elementary) and Amanda Skelton (Rosewood Elementary).