By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SPENCER — Scotty Adcock will take over the top spot at North Rowan Elementary School this fall.
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education unanimously approved Superintendent Dr. Judy Grissom’s recommendation to appoint Adcock principal during a special meeting Wednesday.
“Scotty has proven himself to be an effective leader in the previous positions and accomplishments that he has made while employed in the Rowan-Salisbury School System,” Grissom said in a statement to the Post. “ Scotty brings a great deal of experience, excitement, energy, and enthusiasm with him into the educational environment.”
Adcock, who currently serves as an assistant principal at Shive Elementary, will replace Rick Hampton. Hampton retired from the school system for the second time at the end of June.
“I’ve seen him in action,” board Chairman Dr. Jim Emerson said of Adcock. “He’s been successful as an assistant principal, and I think he’ll continue to be successful at North.”
Adcock was one of nine applicants and three finalists for the position.
Emerson said the board typically tries to hire from within the district if possible.
“All things being equal, we’ll take a homegrown candidate,” he said. “It’s always good to have someone who knows a community.”
Adcock taught at North Rowan Elementary for nine years before going back to school to earn his master’s degree. During that time he was named teacher of the year twice.
After completing his degree, he joined the administrative team to open up Shive Elementary.
But when he found out Hampton was retiring, Adcock jumped at the opportunity to get back to Spencer.
“North has such tremendous community support,” he said. “I absolutely love the staff and students there. They are always excited and ready to go.
“I was eager to put my hat in the arena.”
He said he has mixed emotions about his new role.
“I hate that I’m going to be leaving such a wonderful school and staff, but at the same time I’m excited to be able to go back to North and be able to continue the legacy there.”
Adcock said he plans to examine the school’s current initiatives for effectiveness and launch some new programs.
“I want to make sure we are doing what’s best for our children,” he said.
During his time at Shive, you could find Adcock doing everything from teaching students to wielding a mop to driving a bus.
“You will find me anywhere and everywhere at the school,” he said. “I lead much more by example than anything else, I never ask my staff to do something that they don’t see me doing as well.”
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.