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Catawba County Schools

Engage. Inspire. Empower.

District Leadership

District Leadership

Inspired Teaching Drives Empowered Learning

We believe that the most effective educational methods are those that empower teachers to do their best work - to engage students and inspire them to learn while giving them the tools necessary to take charge of their own education. We are proud to support a myriad of innovative programs and encourage the continued evolution of our classrooms. 

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Our district is large enough to offer programs that keep our students competitive, yet small and nimble enough to adapt quickly to trends in education. 

-Dr. Matt Stover

Meet Our Entire Leadership Team

We are fortunate to have a fantastic leadership team that works in tandem with our Board of Education. We invite you to get to know our team and contact us with any questions you may have. 

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    Matthew W. Stover Ed.D.

    Superintendent

    Education: 

    • Undergraduate - Secondary Education in Social Studies, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
    • Masters Degree - MA, School Administration, Gardner-Webb University
    • Doctorate Degree - Ed.D., School Leadership, Gardner-Webb University

     

    Experience:  

    My first teaching experience was incredible at Crest High School, where I taught Civics, U.S. History, AP Psychology, Psychology, and World History.  My students knew I cared about them, and in turn they bought into learning the curriculum. My principal assigned me a class of students who had to repeat Civics multiple times, because he believed that with my help, our students could be successful. That type of belief I had in my students and athletes carried over to my experience as school administrator in Lincoln County for 13 years.  If you believe in staff and students, coach them, provide a safe and productive learning environment, laugh, and work hard yourself, I believe most if not all folks will be on your team.  That is my same leadership style I bring to Catawba County Schools. Build Relationships, build people, enjoy each day, and show people you care, and in turn a safe and productive work and learning environment is built.

     

    Why did you join CCS? 

    Catawba County Schools has a deep tradition of leading in the classroom, forward thinking, and great people.  As a leader, it is important that you fit the organization, just as much as the organization fits you. In this case it was a perfect marriage where teachers, students, and the community have a strong dedication to education.  I am thankful to be surrounded by such excellent employees, students, and parents each day!

     

    Who influenced you to pursue a career in education?

    I have had the opportunity to learn from the very best teachers who showed care and joy each day, and none better than my first grade teacher Mrs. Cashman, my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Irwin, and my US History teacher Mr. Switala.  I was also thankful to have excellent coaches along with way like Coach Chores, Coach Hess, Coach Stauffer, Coach Wilhour, and Coach Myers (also a standout Algebra 2, and Calculus teacher for me). The commonality amongst all these educators and coaches is that they cared about me, they were passionate, truthful, showed grace, and were just good to be around. Those are the same characteristics I want to exhibit each day as an educator doing my best to ensure each employee and student has someone who believes in them, and can help lead, guide, and support them in their education and careers!

     

    Favorite place in Catawba County? 

    My favorite thing to do  is attend our extra-curricular events with my family, watching our incredible students perform!  My wife and I love to hike Baker's Mountain, and I like to play golf. 

Chief Officers

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    Lee Miller

    Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

     

    Education: 

    • Undergraduate--BA, Catawba College 1994
    • Graduate--MSA, Appalachian State University 2007

     

    Experience: 

    I began my teaching career as a Social Studies teacher at first at St. Stephens High School and later at Bunker Hill High School. I then served as Assistant Principal at Bunker Hill High before being named Principal at H.M. Arndt Middle School. In 2019, I became Principal at Bunker Hill High School where I served until stepping into the Director of High School and Athletics position for the district. I am excited to apply my 28 years of education experience to my current role as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction. 

     

    Why did you join CCS?

    I joined CCS because I am a native of Catawba County and a proud product of Catawba County Schools. I value and appreciate the opportunities afforded to me by this district.

     

    Who influenced you to pursue a career in education? 

    My mother (a former Teacher Assistant) and a multitude of teachers and coaches influenced me to become an educator. I wanted the opportunity to make the same type of impact with young people that I witnessed my mom have and that I personally experienced with my teachers and coaches. 

     

    Something unique about me? 

    I enjoy fly fishing for trout in the NC mountains. I have also been to Montana several times to fish in the Madison River. I have plans to visit again in the near future. 

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    Dan K. Moore

    Assistant Superintendent - Operations

     

    Education: 

    • Undergraduate - BA, Physical Education, Berea College
    • Masters Degree - M.Ed, Educational Leadership, Augusta State University

     

    Experience: 

    I have worked in education for 33 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, director, assistant superintendent, parent, and grandparent.

     

    Why did you join CC

    I joined Catawba County Schools because I wanted to be part of a progressive, high-achieving school district.  

     

    Who influenced you to pursue a career in education? 

    My educational experience was overwhelmingly positive, which in turn gave me the desire to serve in education.

     

    Something unique about me:

    I have officiated two state championship football and basketball games and have also officiated the East-West all-star football and basketball games.

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    Rae Thompson

    Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

     

    Education:

    • Undergraduate - B.A., Theatre Arts Education, UNC Greensboro
    • Masters Degree -  M.A, Curriculum and Instruction, Appalachian State University 

     

    Experience: 
     

    I began teaching theatre arts Banoak Elementary and Blackburn Middle Catawba County Schools in 1993 before moving to Jacobs Fork Middle in 1996.  After nine years of teaching so many talented students, I moved to the Human Resources department as the Director of New Teacher Support.  The role quickly expanded to include professional development and other human resource activities.  In March of 2021, I transitioned to the role of Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. 

     

    Why did you join CCS? 

    In 1993, I was excited to accept a performing arts position with Catawba County Schools.  Our School Board and administration has been on the forefront of supporting of the arts in schools for many years.  That support made my decision to join CCS easy! 

     

    Who influenced you to pursue a  career in education

    Over the years, I have been blessed to be mentored by many excellent educators including my mother who served as an elementary teacher and later as a librarian.  As a high school student, a club advisor encouraged me to apply for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows scholarship.  I am thankful to this day for my mother and that advisor's push that set my career path. 

     

    Something unique about me: 

    While teaching at Jacobs Fork, I was part of a school team recognized for arts integration by the Kennedy Center Alliance for Art Education Network.  As part of the Creative Ticket Schools of Excellence Award, our eighth grade students performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  I am still proud of each of those students! 

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    Angie Davis

    Chief Finance Officer

    Education: 
     

    Experience: 
     

    Why did you join CCS? 
     

    Who influenced you to pursue a career in education? 
     

    Something unique about me:

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    Marty Sharpe

    Chief Technology Officer

     

    Education: 

    • Undergraduate - B.S. Elementary Education, Appalachian State University
    • Masters Degree - M.S., Instructional Technology
    • Certifications - Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL), Google Admin Certification

CCS Organizational Chart 2024-25

Organizational chart for Catawba County Schools, listing various departments and personnel.