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Crossnore School Appoints New Administrators

Aug. 6, 2012. Career educator Rachel Hoilman, principal of Crossnore Academy since 2007, has been named Associate Executive Director and Chief Operating Office of The Crossnore School, a century-old residential education and children’s home in Crossnore.

Succeeding her as principal of the Crossnore Academy is one-time Teacher of the Year Cyndi Austin.

These appointments come on the heels of the death July 18 of Crossnore School’s executive director Phyllis Crain. Crain had served Crossnore since 1999.

Crossnore School’s board chair David Riggins praised Hoilman’s leadership and said the board is committed to a smooth transition and the ongoing success of Crossnore School. He said board membership consists of leaders from the business, judicial, social services and philanthropic arenas who bring their experience and commitment to serve on Crossnore’s behalf. 

Hoilman, an educator since 1973, retired from Avery County Schools in 2005. She joined the Crossnore Academy staff as a testing monitor, then became principal.

She is an Avery County native and a graduate of UNC Greensboro. She earned her master’s degree from Appalachian State University, where she also earned her doctorate in public school administration.

Austin has over 17 years experience teaching social studies to middle and high school students, in both the charter and traditional public school systems. She taught at the Crossnore Academy 2001-2008 and was Teacher of the Year in 2003.

Austin is completing her dissertation for her Educational Doctorate Degree at Appalachian State University. She is a graduate of Avery County High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in social science with education concentration, and a Master’s of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Appalachian State University. 

Crossnore School’s board has appointed a search committee to propose a new Executive Director and CEO for approval by the Executive Committee.

For more information on The Crossnore School call (828) 733-4305 or visit the website crossnoreschool.org.