The Jackson County School System Board of Education voted Monday evening to name Melissa Gillespie as the newest principal of Jackson County High School.
According to a press release from the school system, Gillespie will begin her new role over the summer. She currently serves as an assistant principal at the school.
“The job of a high school principal is one that takes dedication and ownership and Mrs. Gillespie proved throughout the interview process that she is the perfect fit for Jackson County High School,” Superintendent Dr. Philip Brown said. “I look forward to working with Mrs. Gillespie during her transition to principal and supporting her as she leads a growing, robust high school on our west side.”
Gillespie has been with Jackson County High School since 2018, where she served as a teacher for one year before moving into the assistant principal role. She served as an assistant principal at John T. Hoggard High School in North Carolina from 2016 to 2018 before relocating to Jackson County.
“Steve Jobs once said, ‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ I’m blessed to have a job where I love what I do and I’m honored to work at JCHS,” Gillespie said. “I consider it a privilege to continue the tradition of making our school excellent.”
Gillespie holds a bachelor's degree in history and political science from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She obtained her master of school administration from UNC at Wilmington in 2016. She was also named the state teacher of the year in Southeastern North Carolina for the 2013 - 14 school year.
She replaces Jason Wester, who was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in the school system. Gillespie and Wester will work side-by-side to ensure a smooth transition process.
