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Two New Administrators for Watauga Schools

July 10, 2012. Dr. Stephen Martin has been named director of human resources and Dr. Michael Marcela has been appointed director of exceptional children’s services for the Watauga County Schools. Both administrators are new to the Watauga County Schools but experienced in their respective fields, and both have completed graduate degrees at Appalachian State University.

“We welcome the addition of these very skilled and highly capable members of our leadership team,” said Superintendent Dr. David Kafitz. “Their experience, their education, their professionalism, and their commitment to excellence will strengthen the capacity of the central office to perform its role in supporting the success of our teachers and students.”

Dr. Marcela comes to the district from his current position as accountability specialist for the exceptional children’s program in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, a role he has filled since January of 2004. His previous experience includes seven years as director of the exceptional children’s program of the Wilkes County Schools and 11 years as a teacher of exceptional children in North Carolina and Virginia. Dr. Marcela has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Marcela’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in education from Wake Forest, a master’s degree in special education from Appalachian State University, and a doctoral degree in administration and supervision of special education from Virginia Tech.

Dr. Martin has been director of elementary education for the Caldwell County Schools for the last four years. His prior experience includes six years as a math teacher, three years as an assistant principal, and seven years as a principal in the Caldwell County Schools. Dr. Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Wake Forest University and he completed both a master’s degree in school administration and a doctoral degree in educational leadership at Appalachian State University.

Dr. Marcela is succeeding Amy Moore, who has been the acting director of exceptional children’s program since the previous director left to accept a position in her home county. Dr. Martin succeeds Stephanie Weeks as human resources director. Ms. Weeks chose to return to her position as assistant principal at Parkway School after having served as human resources director since March of this year.