From running and jumping to cheering on new friends, students had the opportunity to build confidence, stay active, and celebrate what makes each child unique. Events like this help create meaningful connections while showing that everyone belongs both on the field and in our community.
Thank you to the staff, volunteers, families, and community partners who helped make today such a special experience for our youngest learners.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSStrong
Earnhardt currently serves as a fifth-grade teacher at Rock Springs Elementary School, where she has worked since 2010. Throughout her career, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including School Improvement Team Chair, grade-level chair, and lead teacher for PowerSchool in grades 3-5. She has also collaborated on district science pacing guides and supported colleagues through mentoring and instructional leadership.
A proud Lincoln County native and graduate of East Lincoln High School, Earnhardt shared her excitement about joining the St. James community.
“As a proud Lincoln County native and East Lincoln High graduate, my heart has always belonged to this community,” said Earnhardt. “My journey over the past 16 years as an educator, a wife, and a mother has shaped me into the person I am today. Each of those roles has taught me invaluable lessons about patience, growth, and connection. I feel more prepared than ever for this new chapter, and I am truly excited to pour that experience into my new school family. I am thrilled to officially become a St. James Knight!”
Earnhardt is currently pursuing her Master of School Administration degree at Appalachian State University.
Williams joins Lincoln County Schools from Cleveland County Schools, where she has served as a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Kings Mountain Intermediate School since 2018. During her time there, she has taken on several leadership responsibilities, including serving as PBIS Chair, mentor teacher, Battle of the Books coach, and member of the School Improvement Team.
Williams received her Graduate Certificate in School Leadership from Appalachian State University.
“I am so excited to join Battleground Elementary School as the Dean of Students,” said Williams. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work in Lincoln County Schools and help create a space where students and staff feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.”
Snyder brings more than 20 years of educational experience to his new role at West Lincoln Middle School. A longtime educator in Lincoln County Schools, Snyder has taught math and science at North Lincoln Middle School and has served in a variety of leadership roles, including math coach, PLC leader, mentor, and School Improvement Team member.
In addition to his classroom leadership, Snyder has an extensive background in athletics, serving as a head or assistant coach in football, basketball, golf, and track at both the middle and high school levels.
“I am excited for this new chapter in my career,” said Snyder. “I am originally from Ohio, where I graduated from Ohio University. I began my teaching career in Lincoln County. I have taught at North Lincoln Middle School for 20 years. I live in Lincoln County with my wife, Stacey. I am proud to be a step-father and grandfather to a grandson who lights up every room. Outside of work, you can usually find me on the golf course enjoying my favorite hobby.”
Snyder is currently pursuing his Master of School Administration degree at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Lincoln County Schools congratulates Earnhardt, Williams, and Snyder on their new leadership roles and looks forward to the positive impact they will make in their school communities.
Our Child Nutrition Department is seeking dedicated team members to serve students across Lincoln County Schools.
CHILD NUTRITION MANAGERS
• Battleground Elementary
• Love Memorial Elementary
• Union Elementary
CHILD NUTRITION ASSISTANT MANAGERS
• S. Ray Lowder Elementary
• East Lincoln Middle
CHILD NUTRITION ASSISTANT, SUB BUS DRIVERS
• Battleground Elementary (2) – one 4 hr, one 7 hr
• Catawba Springs Elementary – 6 hr
• Lincolnton Middle – 6 hr
• Lincolnton High – 4 hr
• West Lincoln High – 4.5 hr
• West Lincoln Middle (2) – one 4 hr, one 6 hr
CHILD NUTRITION SUBSTITUTES
• Across the District
Apply today: https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
Lincoln County Schools will once again offer SUN Meals this summer for children and young adults 18 years old and younger.
WEDNESDAY PICK-UP OPTIONS:
• 11 AM–1 PM at Battleground Elementary
• 4 PM–6 PM at Norris S. Childers Elementary
• 4 PM–6 PM at Pumpkin Center Intermediate
Program Dates:
June 3 through July 22
Meal Pick-Up Locations:
• Back parking lot at Battleground Elementary
• Back parking lot at Pumpkin Center Intermediate
• Side area near the bus lot at Norris S. Childers Elementary
Important Information:
• Meals are available for any child or young adult 18 years old and younger.
• Families should stay in their vehicles and pull up to designated areas.
• Students do not have to be present.
• Parents/guardians may pick up meals for students and younger siblings at home.
• Adults picking up meals will need to complete a form indicating the students' names for whom they are picking up meals.
• Families will receive a meal pack containing five breakfasts and five lunches each Wednesday during program operation.
#WeAreLINCOLN #SUNMeals
Lincoln County Schools is pleased to announce several assistant principal transfers for the 2026-27 school year. These leaders will serve students, staff, and families across the district while supporting instructional excellence and positive school cultures.
The following assistant principal assignments have been announced:
Battleground Elementary School – Fred May
G. E. Massey Elementary School – Marie Ashford
Lincolnton High School – Kelly Cole
Lincolnton Middle School – Nikki Hull
Love Memorial Elementary School – Kimberly Queen
Norris S. Childers Elementary School – Heather Cornwell
Pumpkin Center Intermediate School – Logan Webb
Union Elementary School – Kelton Boorman
West Lincoln High School – Zachary Richardson
West Lincoln Middle School – Terry Taylor
“These administrators bring valuable experience, leadership, and a passion for supporting students and staff,” said Dr. Aaron Allen, superintendent of Lincoln County Schools. “We are excited to see the positive impact they will make in their new roles and school communities.”
Lincoln County Schools congratulates each administrator on their new assignment and looks forward to a successful 2026-27 school year.
Lincoln County Schools Announces Three Principal Appointments for the 2026-27 School Year
Lincoln County Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Regina Hovis as the new principal of Norris S. Childers Elementary School.
Hovis brings more than 25 years of educational experience to the role, with a career rooted in service, instructional leadership, and building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Her journey in education began as a teacher assistant and bus driver in Iredell County while attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She later completed her student teaching at Catawba Springs Elementary in Lincoln County Schools.
After teaching in Iredell County for nearly five years, Hovis stepped away from the classroom to raise her children before returning to education at Rock Springs Elementary School, where she served for 15 years as a first-grade teacher.
In 2019, Hovis was selected as a recipient of the High Point Leadership Academy, a partnership between Lincoln County Schools and High Point University that supports aspiring school leaders in earning graduate degrees in educational leadership. During the program, she served as an assistant principal intern at Lincolnton High School before becoming an assistant principal there. Since 2021, she has served as assistant principal at Battleground Elementary School.
Throughout her career, Hovis has earned numerous honors, including Lincoln County Schools Teacher of the Year, Rock Springs Elementary Teacher of the Year, and, most recently, Lincoln County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2024-25 school year.
“It is with incredible excitement and a deep sense of responsibility that I introduce myself as the new principal of Childers Elementary,” said Hovis. “Having spent the last twenty-five years in education, I have seen firsthand the magic that happens when a community of educators rallies around its youngest learners. I look forward to meeting and serving alongside students, teachers, parents, and members of the Childers community. I know we will empower every Cub to reach the heights of their potential, one paw print at a time.”
Lincoln County Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Windy Smart as the new principal of East Lincoln Middle School.
Smart brings more than 25 years of educational experience to the role, with a background that spans classroom instruction, media services, instructional leadership, and school administration. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University, a Master of Library Science from East Carolina University, and a Master of School Administration from Gardner-Webb University.
Her career began in Cleveland County Schools, where she served as an elementary teacher before transitioning into media specialist roles at both elementary and middle school levels. In 2021, Smart joined West Lincoln Middle School as assistant principal and most recently served as interim principal during the 2025 school year.
Throughout her career, Smart has focused on fostering data-driven instruction, promoting student growth, and creating safe, supportive school environments in which students and staff are empowered to succeed. Her leadership experiences include serving as a school test coordinator, summer school administrator, special-needs administrator, new-teacher mentor, and district professional-development leader in reading instruction.
Smart has also earned numerous professional recognitions and certifications, including National Board Certification, Model and Master Reading Certification from Renaissance Learning, and selection as a participant in the George Washington Teacher Institute.
“I’m truly honored to join the East Lincoln community and to get to know the students, families, and staff who make it so special,” said Smart. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place at East Lincoln Middle, while opening new doors for students to grow, succeed, and make the most of their middle school experience.”
Lincoln County Schools is also proud to announce the appointment of Kassandra Arndt as principal of North Lincoln Middle School, following her interim principalship during the 2025-26 school year.
During her year as interim principal, Arndt worked closely with students, staff, and families to continue fostering a strong school culture focused on student achievement, relationships, and middle school success. Her leadership experience and commitment to the North Lincoln community have helped provide stability and continued growth for the school.
With this latest contribution, the IMA has now donated a total of $18,302 to the Foundation in support of public education in Lincoln County. We are grateful for community partners who continue to invest in our staff, students, and schools.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSCommunitySupport
Students from across the district were recognized for their outstanding artistic talent, originality, and hard work throughout the 2025-2026 school year. From detailed drawings and paintings to unique mixed media pieces, the exhibits showcased the incredible creativity happening in our classrooms every day.
Congratulations to our special award recipients:
Middle School Superintendent’s Choice: Allie Rodgers, ELMS
Middle School Best in Show: Brianna Bazzardi, LMS
High School Superintendent’s Choices: Emma Bugler, NLHS and Kendall Cook, WLHS
High School Best in Show: Lily Schronce, LHS
We are proud of all of the student artists who participated and grateful to our art teachers for continuing to inspire creativity across Lincoln County Schools. #WeAreLINCOLN #LCSFineArts
Families may now register:
• Rising kindergarten students
• Students new to the district in any grade level
Begin the registration process today at lcsnc.org/page/student-enro.
We can’t wait to welcome our newest students to Lincoln County Schools. #WeAreLINCOLN #LCSReadyToLearn
NEWLY POSTED POSITIONS INCLUDE:
• Teacher - Band (6-8) @ East Lincoln Middle
• Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Department @ Central Office
• Football - Varsity Asst. Coach @ East Lincoln High
• Teacher Assistant, Bus Driver (2026-2027 school year) @ Union Elementary
• Teacher Assistant, Sub Bus Driver (2026-2027) - two positions available @ G.E. Massey Elementary, one position @ St. James Elementary
• Administrative Assistant to the Director of Administrative Services, start date July 1, 2026 @ Lincoln County School of Technology
• Teacher (EC-General) @ East Lincoln High School
• Cross Country Varsity Head Coach, Women’s Team @ East Lincoln High School
APPLY ONLINE
https://lcsnc.schoolspring.com/
#NowHiring #WeAreLINCOLN
A few reminders for a successful testing day:
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Arrive at school on time
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Dress comfortably
Testing Schedule:
May 15
May 18–21
Electronics Reminder: Cell phones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and other electronic devices must be powered off and stored away during testing. Per state guidelines, students found with a device during testing will be dismissed from the testing session.
You are prepared. You are confident. We believe in you.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSuccess
Link: lcpef.rallyup.com/2026summerraffle
Today we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers who support, encourage, and inspire our students every day. Your love, strength, and guidance make a lasting impact in our schools and community.
Wishing you a wonderful day filled with appreciation and gratitude.
#WeAreLINCOLN #MothersDay
Students had the opportunity to hear from the author behind beloved books such as Meet Me at the Moon, Too Tall Houses, and Night Animals. Through storytelling, illustration, and engaging conversations, students were inspired to read, write, and use their imaginations.
Thank you to Gianna Marino for spending time with our students and helping foster a love of literacy across Lincoln County Schools!
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSLiteracy
Join NextGen United for the Summer Sun & Racing Fun 5K on Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 a.m. at Betty G. Ross Park in Lincolnton. Participants can run or walk while helping raise money for UWLC’s community fund, which supports outreach programs, emergency assistance for families in crisis, tutoring support, and more.
Participants will receive:
• Race shirt
• Summer-themed goodies
• Novant Health giveaway items
• Fun surprises along the route
Awards will be given for overall male and female runners, top runners in age groups, best summer fun costume, and more!
Scan the QR code on the flyer to register and kick off summer with a fun community event.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LincolnCountyNC
Mrs. Steckler was nominated by North Lincoln Middle School, but when it came time for her recognition, she was serving students at Lincolnton High School. Her willingness to step in wherever needed highlights the flexibility, reliability, and dedication that make substitutes such an important part of our schools.
Thank you, Mrs. Steckler, for supporting students and staff across Lincoln County Schools each day.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSFamily
Today, we traveled to Union Elementary to surprise our Volunteer of the Year, Carol Morrison. She was hard at work in the media center helping Mrs. Randall.
We appreciate all you do for Union, Carol!
#WeAreLINCOLN #VolunteerOfTheYear
Students will work in labs, connect with faculty and current students, explore scholarship opportunities, and even screen print their own fabric.
Camp Dates at Gaston College: June 17–18, 2026
Applications open February 15.
Need-based scholarships are available.
Learn more and apply: go.ncsu.edu/textec
#CareerReady #WeAreLINCOLN
We are proud to recognize this year’s Superintendent’s Award winners:
• K-2 Category: Titus Sugg
• 3-5 Category: Havyn Lund
Students from elementary schools across the district were recognized for their outstanding artwork and artistic talent during the showcase. Thank you to our art teachers for inspiring creativity in our students each day, and to the families and community members who came out to support these young artists.
#WeAreLINCOLN #LCSFineArts
Jake earned this prestigious appointment through a highly competitive nomination process and was nominated by Congressman Pat Harrigan and Senator Thom Tillis. He is one of approximately 280 appointees selected from nearly 1,800 applicants worldwide.
At the academy, Jake will major in Marine Engineering while continuing his athletic career as a member of the USMMA Mariners lacrosse team. After graduation, he will commission as a naval officer with dreams of becoming a Navy aviator.
We are proud of Jake’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to serving others, and we wish him continued success as he joins the Class of 2030.
#NorthLincolnHigh #WeAreLINCOLN
