FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 14, 2023
Vance County Schools Announces District Leadership Roles
HENDERSON, NC – Vance County Schools is proud to announce Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney as the Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation, following the upcoming retirement of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Gail Powers. Additionally, Kedecia Stewart-Faines will be the Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator for the school district and Casey Jackson will be the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator.
Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney Named Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation
Ross-Putney has been announced as the Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation. She began her educational career in 2008 at Northern Vance High School as a math teacher. She has continued her journey with the district as the Assistant Principal at STEM Early High School, Secondary Math Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Technology Facilitator and Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Professional Learning. In working with adult learners, she recognizes the importance of modeling and then monitoring best practices to ensure that research-based theories transfer into practical actions in schools and classrooms.
Superintendent, Dr. Cindy Bennett shared, “Dr. Ross-Putney is an innovative educator and systems thinker. Her work ethic is phenomenal and her desire to support teaching and learning is essential to the work we hope to accomplish. I am so pleased to expand her impact on Vance County staff, students and schools.”
Ross-Putney was instrumental in the creation of the district’s first STEM middle school, designing and implementing an early high school model that was one-of-its-kind on the national level. She continues to fulfill her passion of providing access and opportunities to underrepresented student groups to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics) education and career fields.
As a graduate of Vance County Schools, Ross-Putney went on to earn her Bachelors of Science in Math Education and Masters in Education in Instructional Technology from NC State University. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from High Point University.
As a student-centered and passionate professional who is committed to building relationships, ensuring equity, inspiring creativity, and promoting practices that effectively improves outcomes for students, the district is excited for the work Ross-Putney will bring to the role of Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation and the impact on our learning communities.
Ross-Putney is the wife of State Attorney Michael Putney, Jr. She resides in Franklin County with her three children, Christian, Mackenzie and Michelle. She will begin her new position effective May 1, 2023.
Kedecia Stewart-Faines Announced as Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator
Kedecia Stewart-Faines has been named Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator. She has been with Vance County Schools since 2013 with a total of 17 years in the field of education.
Stewart-Faines began teaching at Swallowfield Primary and Junior High in Kingston, Jamaica. Upon moving to North Carolina, she served as a teacher at Pinkston Street Elementary, where she was the 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year, the Vance County Schools Teacher of the Year and Regional Teacher of the Year. She then went into school administration, where she served as an assistant principal at Vance County Middle and currently as the Innovative Partnership Grant Coach.
Earning her Bachelors in Education from Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida International University, Stewart-Faines then went on to earn her Masters in School Administration from High Point University. She participated in the High Point Leadership Academy for School Leadership.
Superintendent Bennett shared, “All educators need support, especially those new to the profession, state or country. Kedecia is very knowledgeable in the teaching and learning process and has a heart to serve. Her continued impact on VCS is invaluable.”
Stewart-Faines resides in Williamsboro with her husband Lee Faines, Jr. and three children, Jahson Shepherd, Lee Faines, III and Leia Faines. She will begin her new position beginning July 1, 2023.
Casey Jackson Named Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator 
Casey Jackson has been named the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator. She has been with Vance County Schools since 2018, beginning her career in education in 2005. Jackson began as a 4th grade teacher in Virginia for nine years, later becoming an Assistant Principal. After 3 years in that role, she became a Principal, serving in that capacity for one year. In 2018, Jackson joined Vance County Schools as a Multi-Classroom Leader (MCL) at Aycock Elementary.
MCL’s were initially established at Opportunity Culture schools within Vance County Schools as those with data to support high-growth student learning and leadership competencies. MCL’s work directly with staff and students, spending a portion of time teaching, as well as leading small teams of teachers, collaborating to provide support and implementing the best strategies for classroom instruction. Jackson has had great success in this role. As the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator, she will extend her reach, working with both MCL’s and Principals.
“Casey is a strong instructional leader. From teacher to MCL to Principal, she has demonstrated her passion for education and supporting both students and staff,” shared Superintendent Bennett. “ We are excited about the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator position, as it will expand Casey’s impact throughout the district.”
A graduate of Longwood University, Jackson earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Masters of Science in Educational Leadership. She resides in South Hill, Virginia with her husband, Joe Jackson and their two children, Jordan and Caylen. She will begin her new position effective July 1, 2023.
