New principals named for Ellis, Shady Grove

Published 9:40 am Thursday, June 14, 2018

Cindy Myers has been named the principal of William Ellis Middle School, and Sarah Maier has been named principal of Shady Grove Elementary School.

Both appointments were approved by the Davie Board of Education earlier this month.

Maier has served the last four years as principal of Friedberg Elementary in Davidson County. She has also taught third grade, worked with teachers as a district curriculum specialist, and served as an assistant principal at three elementary schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from High Point University, and a master’s degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb University.

“I believe that all students can learn; it is just a matter of figuring out their individual education needs,” Maier said. “Working with teachers to grow students is a passion of mine. I look forward to working with the Shady Grove community and collaborating with all stakeholders at Shady Grove Elementary.”

Maier is the mother of a sweet and spunky 4-year-old daughter, Avalyn Grace. Together they enjoy fostering kittens through the Humane Society and doing anything outdoors. Avalyn is her inspiration to create a positive school environment in which all students experience success.

“We were fortunate to have strong candidates for this principalship,” said Dr. Darrin Hartness, superintendent. “The interview panel was extremely impressed with Sarah Maier. We think she will be an excellent fit for Shady Grove and an incredible addition to our Davie Schools’ family. She has tremendous experience and enthusiasm, and we look forward to working with Sarah to make a positive impact on the children at Shady Grove Elementary.”

Myers has served as the assistant principal of North Davie Middle School for the past three years. Prior to working in Davie County Schools, she served in several curriculum and teacher support roles, along with 14 years of classroom experience as a sixth grade teacher.

“When Cindy was first hired as an assistant principal, we knew she would become a principal in our district,” Hartness said. “She has continued to grow as a leader over the past three years. Her 19 years of experience in middle schools shows a commitment to students of this age, and her interactions and support of both students and staff are evidence that she will be a great fit to lead Ellis Middle School.”

Myers earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb University. She was awarded Assistant Principal of the Year in Davie County Schools in 2017-18.

Her husband, Steve, works in Davidson County Schools. She has two children, who are both married, and one grandson. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and is active in her church, Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.

Mary Foster, principal of North Davie Middle, said:  “Cindy has a heart for middle school and puts students first.She is always smiling and I can’t say enough good things about the impact she has made at North Davie. I am glad she will still to be my colleague and we can continue to share ideas to make our schools even better.”