Martin County Schools is moving forward with purpose, and that means placing strong leaders in positions where they can make a lasting impact.

As we look toward the upcoming school year and well beyond, MCS is proud to announce staff members who will step into new roles that will benefit our students, schools, families, and the district as a whole. Their experience, commitment, and leadership will help strengthen the work happening across their school and Martin County Schools every day.

𝗛𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗘.𝗝. 𝗛𝗮𝘆𝗲𝘀

A new chapter is beginning at E.J. Hayes Elementary School, where Brandon Howard has been named principal and will lead the Williamston school with a focus on students, staff, families, and growth. 

Howard, who just completed his seventh year as a principal, has extensive experience at various grade levels, including time as a high school history/social studies teacher, assistant principal, and principal. 

“We are very excited to have Mr. Howard step to the helm at E.J. Hayes Elementary School,” explained Dr. Michelle White, Superintendent of Martin County Schools. 

“Howard brings a wealth of administrative experience and a proven track record of leadership that make him an outstanding fit for EJ Hayes Elementary School. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build strong school cultures rooted in high expectations, meaningful relationships, and student-centered experiences. I am confident that his leadership will create transformational opportunities for the students, staff, and families of EJ Hayes. We are excited to welcome Mr. Howard to this role and look forward to the positive impact he will have on the school community."

He joined Martin County Schools in November 2007 as a social studies teacher at Riverside High School, where he taught until 2015. After gaining assistant principal experience in another district, he returned in 2019 when he was named principal at Riverside Middle School. In 2021, he was named principal at Williamston Primary School, a role he held until taking over South Creek Middle School in 2024. 

Howard holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Elizabeth City State University (2007) and a Master's Degree in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University. He is licensed in Social Studies and History (9-12) and in School Administration. 

𝗠𝗖𝗦 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿

Martin County Schools continues to strengthen pathways from the classroom to careers by selecting Dr. Amy Draper as the district’s new Director of Career and Technical Education. 

Draper joined Martin County Schools in January as the CTE Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator, bringing more than 20 years of experience in CTE education in eastern North Carolina. 

For more than a decade, Draper taught Family and Consumer Science curriculum in Wilson and Northampton counties. She later transitioned to the role of CTE Career Development Coordinator and then CTE Director in Northampton County, where she remained until joining Martin County Schools. 

“Dr. Draper brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that is already fostering additional growth in such a vital area for our district,” explained Dr. Michelle White, Superintendent of Martin County Schools. “Whether our students are college-bound, entering the workforce, pursuing military service, or exploring other postsecondary opportunities, Career and Technical Education provides pathways that help every student discover their strengths, develop valuable skills, and prepare for a successful future.”

Dr. White continued, “Under Dr. Draper’s leadership, we are expanding opportunities for students to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world careers. Her vision for strengthening partnerships with business and industry, increasing access to high-demand career pathways, and ensuring students graduate with industry-recognized credentials is helping position Martin County Schools as a leader in workforce development. The impact of this work extends far beyond our schools, creating a stronger workforce pipeline, supporting economic development, and ultimately benefiting the entire Martin County community.”

Dr. Draper holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Barton College, a master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Concordia University, a master’s degree in School Administration from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and a doctorate in Teacher Leadership.

Martin County High School