McDowell County Schools

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McDowell County Schools INSPIRING SUCCESS: Future-focused, Student-centered, Mission-driven

The McDowell County School System is located in the foothills of beautiful Western North Carolina, about 30 miles east of Asheville. McDowell County Schools consist of 13 schools (one high school, one early college, one alternative education center, two middle/junior high schools, eight elementary schools) and nine pre-school sites. The school system has approximately 6,500 students, nearly 1,000 employees, and around a $55 million budget.

🐾💛🖤 Principal Spotlight: Panther Pride, a Passion for History, and Adventures Beneath the Sea! 🌊Our MCS Principal Spotli...
10/16/2026

🐾💛🖤 Principal Spotlight: Panther Pride, a Passion for History, and Adventures Beneath the Sea! 🌊

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to West Marion Elementary School to get to know Principal Dr. Joshua Weese! 🌟

💛 What does Dr. Weese love most about West Marion? Without hesitation, it's the students and staff! He appreciates the positive attitudes and willingness to learn that his Panthers bring to school each day. He's equally proud of the incredible staff who demonstrate a strong work ethic, work together toward common goals, and consistently put students first.

For Dr. Weese, having a school community where students are eager to grow and educators are committed to helping them succeed is something he doesn't take for granted. 🐾

📚 What was his favorite subject as a student? History! Dr. Weese has a particular interest in Middle Eastern and European history, especially events and developments from the 19th and 20th centuries. He's always enjoyed learning about the people, places, and events that have shaped our world. 🌎

🤿 And here's something students might be surprised to learn about their principal... Dr. Weese loves scuba diving! He tries to make time for a diving adventure each year and enjoys the peaceful experience of exploring the underwater world.

For him, scuba diving is an opportunity to put his training to use, embrace a little adventure, and experience incredible places that relatively few people ever get to see! 🐠🌊

From his love of history to his adventures beneath the waves, Dr. Weese brings a spirit of curiosity, exploration, and appreciation for learning that extends well beyond the classroom.

👏 Thank you, Dr. Weese, for your leadership, your commitment to students and staff, and for helping make West Marion Elementary a place where Panthers are encouraged to learn, grow, and reach their potential! 💛🖤

🎤🦎 Principal Spotlight: From Center Stage to the Principal's Office at Eastfield! 🌟Our MCS Principal Spotlight series co...
10/16/2026

🎤🦎 Principal Spotlight: From Center Stage to the Principal's Office at Eastfield! 🌟

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to Eastfield Global Magnet School to get to know Principal Mrs. Melissa Elliott!

❤️ What does Mrs. Elliott love most about Eastfield? It's the incredible people who make up the school community! From dedicated staff and supportive families to the amazing students who fill the classrooms, Mrs. Elliott loves the teamwork, relationships, and genuine care that make Eastfield special. She takes pride in a school community where everyone works together, supports one another through challenges, and celebrates successes along the way.

🎤 What's something students might be surprised to learn about their principal? Before becoming an educator, Mrs. Elliott had dreams of a career in music! In high school, she sang in chorus and was the lead singer of a band, performing at local festivals, school events, and community theater productions. She loved being on stage and even considered pursuing music professionally!

But here's the twist...the former lead singer now admits she has a serious case of stage fright! So while Eastfield may have a talented vocalist leading the school, don't expect her to grab the microphone anytime soon! 😂🎶

🔬🦎 And what was her favorite subject as a student? Science, especially life science and zoology! Mrs. Elliott has always been fascinated by animals, their habitats, adaptations, and conservation efforts. Her love for reptiles continues today, and she even has a leopard gecko named Lizzo living in her office! 🦎💚

And if you're wondering why there's not a snake in the principal's office instead...Mrs. Elliott jokes that her secretary, Mrs. Amanda, might decide to find another place to work! 🐍😂

From her musical past to her passion for science and the relationships she values at Eastfield, Mrs. Elliott certainly brings a unique combination of interests, personality, and heart to her role as principal.

👏 Thank you, Mrs. Elliott, for your leadership, your commitment to students and staff, and for helping make Eastfield Global Magnet School a place where everyone feels connected, supported, and encouraged to grow! 💙

🎓🍰 Principal Spotlight: Math, Pound Cake, and a Whole Lot of MAI Family Pride! 🌟Our MCS Principal Spotlight series conti...
10/16/2026

🎓🍰 Principal Spotlight: Math, Pound Cake, and a Whole Lot of MAI Family Pride! 🌟

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to McDowell Academy for Innovation to get to know Principal Dr. Billy Cline!

➗ What was Dr. Cline's favorite subject as a student? Math! Whether working with numbers or solving problems, math was the subject that captured his interest during his school days.

🍰 What's something students might be surprised to learn about their principal? Dr. Cline knows his way around the kitchen! He's received plenty of compliments on his baking skills, especially his pound cake! Who knew MAI had a principal with a talent for baking? 😋

🎓 What's his favorite school tradition? The 11th-grade college trip! Dr. Cline loves taking students to visit college campuses and giving them opportunities to explore the possibilities that await them after high school. Experiences like these help students begin imagining their futures and discovering the many paths available to them.

🌯 And his favorite cafeteria meal? Bernice's chicken wraps! But here's an insider tip straight from Dr. Cline: If you can convince Bernice to make a cheeseburger wrap, you're in for something pretty special! 😄

💙 Finally, what's one word he would use to describe MAI? Family. It's a simple word that speaks volumes about the relationships, connections, and sense of belonging that make McDowell Academy for Innovation special.

From encouraging students to explore their futures to appreciating the people and traditions that make MAI unique, Dr. Cline's responses reflect a leader who values relationships, opportunities, and a strong school community.

👏 Thank you, Dr. Cline, for your leadership, your commitment to MAI students and staff, and for helping make McDowell Academy for Innovation a place where students feel supported, connected, and ready to pursue their goals! 💙

🌟🎤 Sharing the MCS Story Beyond Our District! A big shout out to Mrs. Amy Dowdle, Assistant Superintendent of Human Reso...
10/16/2026

🌟🎤 Sharing the MCS Story Beyond Our District!

A big shout out to Mrs. Amy Dowdle, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Public Information, and Ms. Alyssa Kanipe, Beginning and Lead Teacher Support Coordinator, for recently representing McDowell County Schools as presenters at the Western Region Education Service Alliance (WRESA)!

Their session highlighted the MCS Lead Teacher Program, sharing how our district is investing in teacher leadership, supporting professional growth, supporting our beginning teachers, and creating opportunities for educators to make an impact beyond their own classrooms. 📚✨

Opportunities like this allow our district to share ideas, celebrate innovative practices, and collaborate with educational leaders from across Western North Carolina. It's exciting to see the work happening in McDowell County Schools being shared with others!

🐻❤️ Principal Spotlight: Nebo Pride, Blooming Creativity, and a Love for Math! 🌟Our MCS Principal Spotlight series conti...
10/15/2026

🐻❤️ Principal Spotlight: Nebo Pride, Blooming Creativity, and a Love for Math! 🌟

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to Nebo Elementary School to get to know Principal Ms. Bagwell!

❤️ What does Ms. Bagwell love most about Nebo? It's the strong sense of family and Nebo pride! For Ms. Bagwell, there's something special about being part of a school where students, staff, and families come together, support one another, and take pride in their school community. It's that feeling of belonging that makes Nebo such a special place to learn and grow. 🐻

➗ What was her favorite subject as a student? Math! 📚 That's right—Ms. Bagwell has been a fan of numbers and problem-solving since her own school days!

🎨🌸 And what's her favorite school tradition? Blooming Arts Day! This beloved Nebo tradition has been part of the school for more than 20 years, giving students opportunities to explore their creativity through music, art, crafts, and other artistic experiences.

For Ms. Bagwell, Blooming Arts Day is more than just a fun event. It's a celebration of the talents, creativity, and individuality of Nebo students—and a tradition that brings the school community together year after year! 🎶🎨✨

From celebrating long-standing traditions to building a school culture rooted in relationships and pride, Ms. Bagwell's responses reflect a leader who values community, creativity, and helping every student find their place to shine.

👏 Thank you, Ms. Bagwell, for your leadership, your dedication to the Nebo family, and for helping make Nebo Elementary a place where students feel supported, connected, and proud to be Bears! ❤️🐻

Once a Bear, always a Bear!

10/15/2026

🐾💙💛 Principal Spotlight: Math, Music, and a Love for Orange Chicken at MES! 🌟

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to Marion Elementary to get to know Principal Mrs. Angela Wilkerson!

We asked a few questions to learn more about the person behind the principal's desk, and Mrs. Wilkerson shared some fun favorites! 😄

➕ What was her favorite subject as a student? Math! That's right—Mrs. Wilkerson has been a fan of numbers since her own school days! 📚

🎄 What's her favorite school tradition? The Holiday Singalong before students and staff head home for winter break! There's something special about bringing the Bulldog family together through music and celebration to wrap up the semester. 🎶

🍊🐔 And her favorite cafeteria meal? Orange Chicken! No hesitation needed on that one! 😋

So there you have it—a math enthusiast, a fan of holiday music, and someone who knows exactly what she's ordering when orange chicken is on the menu!

But beyond those fun facts is a principal who puts her heart into making Marion Elementary a place where students and staff feel supported and valued. 💙💛

From encouraging students and supporting teachers to navigating the countless responsibilities that come with leading a school, Mrs. Wilkerson works to keep the needs and success of her Bulldogs at the center of every decision.

Her dedication reminds us that school leadership is about more than managing a building. It's about building relationships, supporting people, and creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed. 🌟

👏 Thank you, Mrs. Wilkerson, for the time, energy, and heart you pour into Marion Elementary each day. Your Bulldog family appreciates all you do! 🐾💙💛

💙💚 Principal Spotlight: Teamwork, Scholar Success, and Square Pizza at FCS! 🍕Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continue...
10/15/2026

💙💚 Principal Spotlight: Teamwork, Scholar Success, and Square Pizza at FCS! 🍕

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to Foothills Community School to get to know Principal Mr. Nakia Carson! 🌟

🤝 What does Mr. Carson love most about FCS? It's the way everyone comes together! He appreciates the teamwork and collaboration that make Foothills such a special place, along with the incredible projects and hands-on experiences that give Scholars opportunities to explore, create, and grow. For Mr. Carson, seeing the school community work together to create meaningful learning experiences is one of the best parts of being a principal.

🌟 What makes him proudest of his Scholars? Their hard work, politeness, and kindness! Mr. Carson values students who give their best effort, treat others with respect, and demonstrate positive character. Those everyday actions help build the supportive school culture that makes FCS special. 💙💚

🍕 And what's Mr. Carson's favorite cafeteria meal? This one might surprise you...square pizza and lima beans! That's right, not just the pizza, but the lima beans too! 😄 It's a combination that certainly makes his cafeteria favorites stand out!

From celebrating student achievements to appreciating the people and experiences that make FCS unique, Mr. Carson's responses reflect a leader who values teamwork, character, and opportunities for every Scholar to succeed.

👏 Thank you, Mr. Carson, for your leadership, your dedication to FCS Scholars and staff, and the heart you bring to the Foothills Community School family every day! 💙💚

🧡🖤 Principal Spotlight: A Big Heart, a Bright Smile, and Fierce Trojan Pride! Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continu...
10/14/2026

🧡🖤 Principal Spotlight: A Big Heart, a Bright Smile, and Fierce Trojan Pride!

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to East McDowell Middle School to recognize a leader who brings passion, personality, and a whole lot of heart to the Trojan family—Principal Mrs. Katie Kaylor! 🌟

Ask the East McDowell community about Mrs. Kaylor, and one of the first things they'll mention is her million-dollar smile! But behind that smile is a leader who works tirelessly to support her students, staff, and families.

🧡 A leader who puts people first. Mrs. Kaylor believes in showing up for others, especially when they need someone in their corner. Whether she's supporting a student through a challenge, encouraging a staff member, or working to strengthen the school community, she leads with compassion, determination, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

💪 A leader who leads by example. Described by her school family as feisty, funny, and fierce, Mrs. Kaylor holds high expectations for those around her—but she holds herself to those same standards. She doesn't ask others to do something she wouldn't be willing to do herself!

A leader with true Trojan pride. Mrs. Kaylor loves East McDowell and is passionate about helping the school continue to grow and thrive. Her mission is to help students recognize their potential, overcome challenges, and become the very best versions of themselves.

What stands out most in East McDowell's tribute is the appreciation its school community has for a principal who leads with her heart, stands up for others, and never loses sight of the students at the center of it all. 🧡🖤

👏 Thank you, Mrs. Kaylor, for your dedication, your leadership, and the energy and heart you bring to East McDowell Middle School. Your Trojan family is grateful to have you leading the way!

💙🖤 Principal Spotlight: Building Grit, Determination, and Spartan Pride! 🌟Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues a...
10/14/2026

💙🖤 Principal Spotlight: Building Grit, Determination, and Spartan Pride! 🌟

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to West McDowell Middle School to get to know Principal Mr. Edwin Spivey!

💪 What makes Mr. Spivey proud of his students? Their willingness to work hard and keep pushing forward, even when things get challenging! Mr. Spivey loves seeing West McDowell students demonstrate grit, determination, and mental toughness as they strive to improve each day.

For him, mental toughness isn't about being the strongest person in the room. It's about making the commitment to do the best you can, with what you have, wherever you are. He takes pride in seeing Spartans embrace challenges rather than give up when things get difficult.

📚 What's something students might be surprised to learn about their principal? While Mr. Spivey enjoys spending time with his family and getting outdoors for a round of golf ⛳, one of his favorite hobbies is actually reading! Whether he's on the golf course or enjoying a good book, he knows the value of taking time for the things he enjoys.

➗🔬🌎 And what was his favorite subject in school? That's a tough one because Mr. Spivey loved them all! His passion for learning carried into his teaching career, where he taught high school Math, Science (Physics), and Social Studies.

From encouraging students to persevere through challenges to modeling a lifelong love of learning, Mr. Spivey's responses reflect his belief that success comes from effort, determination, and a willingness to keep growing.

👏 Thank you, Mr. Spivey, for your leadership and for challenging our West McDowell Spartans to give their best, push through challenges, and become stronger learners and individuals every day! 💙🖤

💙🌟 Principal Spotlight: A Strong Community, Titan Grit, and a Surprising Fun Fact!Our MCS Principal Spotlight series con...
10/14/2026

💙🌟 Principal Spotlight: A Strong Community, Titan Grit, and a Surprising Fun Fact!

Our MCS Principal Spotlight series continues as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Month, and today we're heading to McDowell High School to get to know Principal Mrs. Tracey Widmann! 🎓

💙 What's one word Mrs. Widmann would use to describe McDowell High? Community! For Mrs. Widmann, that one word captures what makes MHS special. It's about the students, staff, and families who come together to support one another and create a place where Titans can learn, grow, and succeed.

🌟 What makes her proudest of MHS students? Their kindness toward others, determination to succeed, grit, and sense of humor! Mrs. Widmann appreciates students who work hard, push through challenges, and find ways to bring a little laughter into the day. These are qualities that help make the Titan community strong, both inside and outside the classroom.

😊 And here's something students might be surprised to learn about their principal... Mrs. Widmann is actually an introvert! While her role involves interacting with hundreds of students, staff, and families, she describes herself as someone who is naturally more reserved. It's a great reminder that leadership comes in many forms and that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to make a meaningful impact!

From celebrating student successes to recognizing the importance of kindness, perseverance, and connection, Mrs. Widmann's responses reflect what she values most about the MHS community.

👏 Thank you, Mrs. Widmann, for your leadership and your commitment to helping our Titans grow, succeed, and take pride in being part of the McDowell High School family! 💙

Address

334 S Main Street
Marion, NC
28752

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18286524535

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