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Leadership Selected for Clarke Elementary School: A Promising Future Ahead

September 12, 2023

Leadership Selected for Clarke Elementary School: A Promising Future Ahead

HENDERSON, NC – Vance County Schools is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. C'Monee Wilkins as the Principal of Clarke Elementary, effective immediately. Dr. Wilkins, with a wealth of experience and expertise in educational leadership, is committed to student success, instructional innovation, and community engagement, aligning seamlessly with the district's mission and values.

Having served as the Assistant Principal at Clarke Elementary School since August 2022, Dr. Wilkins has demonstrated her dedication to fostering positive relationships with staff, students, parents, and the community. She has been instrumental in promoting instructional collaboration among teachers to enhance student outcomes.

Prior to her role at Clarke Elementary School, Dr. Wilkins served as an Instructional Coach and Multi-Classroom Leader at Zeb Vance Elementary School and an English Language Arts Teacher at Eaton Johnson Middle.

Dr. Wilkins holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Fayetteville State University, a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Elizabeth City State University.

"Dr. Wilkins has great knowledge and expertise in the area of instructional leadership. As a district, we have identified key areas for improvement for Clarke Elementary and she is well equipped to ensure that the needed changes happen this academic year.  Her leadership and the strong team she is building will make Clarke Elementary a school to watch," said Dr. Cindy Bennett, Superintendent.

Joining Dr. Wilkins is Dan Sandlin, who will assume the role of Assistant Principal, effective September 18. Mr. Sandlin brings 18 years of experience in education and a strong commitment to educational excellence to his role at Clarke Elementary School. Most recently, he served as an Assistant Principal intern at STEM Early High.

Before transitioning to school administration, Mr. Sandlin was a Physical Education teacher at Dabney Elementary, where his passion for promoting physical fitness and holistic student development contributed to the school's culture. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Mars Hill University and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from Liberty University. Sandlin was selected to participate in the High Point University Leadership Academy where he is pursuing a Masters in School Administration.

Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett shared, "Mr. Sandlin’s extensive background in education, commitment to student growth, and passion for fostering a positive school culture will only enhance the leadership at Clarke Elementary School. Vance County Schools is excited about the bright future ahead at Clarke Elementary.”