KANNAPOLIS — Will Gibson will become the new principal of Shady Brook Elementary in March of 2014. The Board of Education approved his selection at its meeting on Dec. 9. Gibson will replace Dr. Rachel Zaionz, who is retiring March 1.
Zaionz has been principal of Shady Brook since 2006 and is the current Kannapolis City Schools’ Principal of the Year.
Gibson is currently the curriculum coordinator at Shady Brook Elementary. He began as the school’s curriculum coordinator in July 2013.
Prior to coming to Shady Brook, Gibson was an assistant principal at Highland Renaissance Academy in Charlotte. He also served as the assistant principal of Newell Elementary School in Charlotte and as a kindergarten teacher at Charlotte’s John Motley Morehead Elementary. He began his teaching career in Roanoke, Virginia.
Gibson has a strong background in curriculum and instruction, parent communication, data analysis, technology and strategic planning. Kannapolis City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pam Cain says Gibson is an excellent school leader.
“Will Gibson has done an outstanding job as curriculum coordinator, and he is respected and appreciated by everyone at Shady Brook,” Cain said in a news release. “He will do a great job as principal, and I am looking forward to working with him in his new role.”
Gibson earned his master of school administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He received his bachelor of arts degree and teaching certification from Roanoke College in Salem, Va. During his time at Roanoke College, he was named an NCAA Academic All-American. Gibson says he is excited to begin his new role as principal.
“I truly feel at home in Kannapolis City Schools and at Shady Brook,” Gibson said in the news release. “Shady Brook is a wonderful community school. It has an amazing staff and students and great parent support. I feel fortunate to be part of Shady Brook, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with everyone here to find even more success for our children.”