Nancy Barkemeyer was named the 2014-15 Principal of the Year at the Rowan-Salisbury School System’s back-to-school pep rally on Aug. 21.
Barkemeyer has served as principal of West Rowan Middle School for eight years. Before coming to the district, she was a middle school principal with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools.
Barkemeyer has been involved in education since 1972, when she began teaching eighth-grade social studies in rural Mississippi. Since then, she has taught classes in Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina. She received her master’s degree in reading from Mississippi State University and an administrative degree from Winthrop University.
“I love being a principal because it is challenging and meaningful,” Barkemeyer said in an email. “Every day is different. I get to work with kids and their families while supporting teachers.
“I believe that being a principal is the third most important job — right after that of parents and teachers,” she added.

Megan Braun is a senior at North Rowan High School and a Salisbury Post intern.