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.
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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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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Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Education:
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Undergraduate: B.S. in Criminal Justice, Appalachian State University
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Graduate: M.A. in School Counseling, Lenoir-Rhyne University
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Post-Graduate: Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Western Carolina University
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Post-Graduate: Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Western Carolina University
Experience: Most recently, I served as Principal of Bandys High School from 2019 to 2026. Prior to that, I served as Principal of West Alexander Middle School for seven years, Principal of Bethlehem Elementary School for three years, and Assistant Principal at Bethlehem Elementary School for three years.
Why did you join CCS? I joined Catawba County Schools because I am a native of Catawba County, a proud graduate of Catawba County Schools, and a lifelong resident of this community. Returning to CCS provided an opportunity to give back to the school district and county that have played such an important role in my personal and professional journey. I am grateful for the opportunities this district has provided and am honored to serve the students, staff, and families of the community that has given me so much.
Who (or what) influenced you to pursue a career in education? Prior to beginning my career in education, I worked for eight years as a Juvenile Court Counselor and Training School Specialist. During that time, I quickly recognized the positive impact educators can have on students, as well as the challenges that arise when students lack positive influences in school and in their lives. I also saw how this absence can, unfortunately, lead some young people down the wrong path. As a result, I entered the field of education to serve as a positive influence and help students become productive, contributing citizens as they transition into adulthood.
Something unique about me– In my earlier years, I actively participated in rodeo and equestrian competitions, including bull riding, roping cattle, and even winning a wild cow riding contest. Although my days in the arena have concluded, the physical reminders and a collection of championship buckles and trophies remain as a testament to those rewarding experiences.
Favorite place or thing to do in Catawba County– Catawba County is a beautiful place to live. I enjoy fishing in the rivers and lakes throughout the region, hunting in its scenic woodlands, and taking in all that the county has to offer. A day spent doing what you love with the people you care about in Catawba County is a great day, no matter where you are in the county.
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Assistant Superintendent - Operations
Education:
Undergraduate: B.A. in Elementary Education - Lenoir-Rhyne University
Masters Degree: M.A. in School Administration - Appalachian State University
Experience:
I began my career with Catawba County Schools in 2005 as a teacher at Claremont Elementary, where I taught kindergarten, fifth grade, and sixth grade. From there, I served as assistant principal and athletic director at Bandys High School before becoming principal at Sherrills Ford Elementary School and later Fred T. Foard High School. In 2023, I transitioned to the Central Office, serving as High School Director and District Athletic Director before assuming my current role as Director of Auxiliary Services.
Why did you join CCS?
While attending Lenoir-Rhyne University, I completed my student teaching in a kindergarten classroom at Claremont Elementary. From the moment I arrived, I experienced the strong sense of family and community that makes Catawba County Schools so special. That welcoming culture made it an easy decision to begin my career here.
Who (or what) influenced you to pursue a career in education?
As a student at Fred T. Foard High School, I participated in a teaching internship at Mountain View Elementary with an outstanding third-grade teacher. That experience confirmed my passion for working with students and inspired me to pursue a career in education.
Something unique about me:
I played football at Lenoir-Rhyne University, and today my family and I enjoy returning to campus to cheer on the Bears alongside many of my former teammates and their families.
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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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Chief Finance Officer
Education: BA in Accounting Lenoir-Rhyne 2008,
Certification: NC CPA License 2009
Experience: 2 years working in Public Accounting doing taxes & auditing. The audit portion of the job was focused on NC School Systems. Then I spent 5 years working in the corporate environment for Lowes. Shortly after becoming a dad an opportunity became available to get back to Wilkesboro as the CFO for Wilkes County Schools where I spent 11 years.
Why did you join CCS? Great opportunity for me to continue my professional growth. My role is essentially the same from my previous district, but I'm learning a lot. From one district to the next, there are different people to learn from and different strategies used.
Who (or what) influenced you to pursue a career in education? My professor at Lenoir-Rhyne, Mr. Richard Greene, is a retired School Finance Officer. My first job allowed me to audit school systems. The CFO position in Wilkes County Schools, where I live, came open as my 1st child was small and my 2nd child was on the way. The "stars aligned" you might say.
Something unique about me I like to explore and see God's creation. Whether that's a road trip with my family, hiking some remote destination, or seeking out game on a hunting trip I'm in awe of how beautiful this world is.
Favorite place or thing to do in Catawba County--Sports fields. At this point in life, I'm probably on the sideline watching or coaching a youth sports game.
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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