LCPS Announces Administrative Changes for 2026-2027 School Year
Lenoir County Public Schools is pleased to announce several administrative changes for the 2026-2027 school year. These leaders bring extensive experience, a passion for education, and a strong commitment to student achievement as they step into their new roles.
Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, Director, High School Curriculum and Career & Technical Education
Dr. Elizabeth Pierce has been named Director of High School Curriculum and Career &
Technical Education, succeeding Dr. Amy Jones, who will be transitioning to a regional Career
and Technical Education leadership role with the North Carolina Department of Public
Instruction.
A native of Scotland Neck, North Carolina, Dr. Pierce joined Lenoir County Public Schools as a
North Carolina Principal Fellow after serving seven years as an elementary teacher in Pitt
County Schools. Following an internship at South Lenoir High School in 2013, she served as
assistant principal at Kinston High School, Rochelle Middle School, and Woodington Middle
School. She later led Moss Hill Elementary School, E.B. Frink Middle School, and South Lenoir
High School as principal.
Dr. Pierce was selected as LCPS Principal of the Year and was subsequently named Southeast
Region Principal of the Year. Throughout her career, she has served on numerous state-level
boards and committees and recently earned her doctorate from East Carolina University. Her
experience, leadership, and dedication to student success make her exceptionally well-suited
for this district leadership role.
Jeremy Barnett, Principal, South Lenoir High School
A graduate of South Lenoir High School, Barnett has spent his entire educational career in
LCPS. He began as a social studies teacher and head men's basketball coach at South Lenoir
before earning his Master of School Administration degree and becoming an assistant principal
at Kinston High School. He later served as principal of Moss Hill Elementary School and most
recently as principal of Woodington Middle School.
Barnett's strong relationships with students, staff, and community members, combined with his deep connection to South Lenoir, position him well to lead the school into its next chapter.
David Combs, Principal, Woodington Middle School
A native of Wayne County, Combs played football at Appalachian State University and baseball
at the University of Mount Olive. He served as a physical education teacher and head varsity
baseball coach at South Lenoir High School from 2012 to 2023 before earning his Master of
School Administration degree through East Carolina University's Principal Fellows Program and
Pirate Leadership Academy.
In 2023, Combs was named assistant principal at South Lenoir High School. Since then, he has
demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to supporting students and staff. He
now brings that experience to Woodington Middle School.
Amy White, Principal, Banks Elementary School
Amy White will be succeeding Dr. Heather Lancaster, who is stepping away to spend additional
time with her family. White has dedicated her entire educational career to Lenoir County Public
Schools. She began teaching at Contentnea Elementary School in 2005 and was named Lenoir
County Teacher of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year. Recognized throughout her career
for excellence in instruction and instructional leadership, White later earned her Master of
School Administration degree from East Carolina University.
For the past five years, she has served as assistant principal at Kinston High School, where she
has played a key role in supporting students, staff, and school improvement efforts. She now
returns to the elementary level to lead Banks Elementary School.
Julie Rouse, Principal, Pink Hill Elementary School
Julie Rouse will be succeeding Lee Ann Hardy, who is retiring. A graduate of North Lenoir High
School, Rouse began her career as a teacher at Northwest Elementary School before joining
the staff at Pink Hill Elementary School. During her teaching career, she was named her
school's Teacher of the Year and was later selected as one of three finalists for Lenoir County
Teacher of the Year.
After earning her Master of School Administration degree from East Carolina University, Rouse
spent 12 years serving as curriculum specialist and digital learning specialist at Pink Hill
Elementary. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at North Lenoir High School.
Throughout her career, Rouse has demonstrated exceptional strengths in instructional
leadership, data analysis, and strategic planning while advocating for students, teachers, and families.
