(ASHEVILLE) - Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson announces two new administrator positions for Buncombe County Schools (BCS) for the 2023-24 school year effective immediately.
Anna Austin is the principal of Buncombe County Early College & Middle College and the Buncombe County Center for Career Innovation. Ms. Austin previously served in a number of different administrator and teaching roles in Buncombe County Schools including Assistant Principal of Buncombe County Early and Middle College (2022-Present), Administrator at Johnston Elementary School (2018-2023), Assistant Principal at Erwin High School (2015-2018), Summer Program Administrator (2008-2011) and elementary teacher (1998-2005). Ms. Austin earned her Bachelor of Science from Mars Hill University and her Master’s in School Administration from Western Carolina University. Ms. Austin brings 26 years of North Carolina service to her role. Her full bio is linked HERE. Ms. Austin replaces Dr. Donna Lanahan who is now the Director of Secondary Education.
Michele F. Smith will be the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director. Ms. Smith previously served as a Career Coordinator and Classroom teacher including serving as the BCS Middle School Career Development Coordinator and Project Lead the Way (2019-present), the Career Development Coordinator for Reynolds High School (2013-2019), and Business and Information Technology Instructor at North Buncombe High School (2000-2013). Ms. Smith earned her Bachelor's from UNC-Asheville and Western Carolina University and her Master’s in Secondary Education from Western Carolina University. Ms. Smith brings 31 years of service to her role. Ms. Smith’s full bio is linked HERE. She replaces Mr. Taylor Baldwin who transitioned to a position outside of Buncombe County Schools.