PCS Fills Four Administrative Leadership Posts, One Principal Position
Pitt County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve M. Lassiter Jr. on Thursday announced four senior-level administrative leadership appointments and one principal assignment.
Dr. Kamara Roach
Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services
Dr. Kamara Roach, who has served as Interim Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs and Services since April 15, has been named Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services effective immediately.
The retitling of educational programs and services to academic services is part of the new district leadership structure to better serve students and educators. Under Roach’s direction, this department’s focus will solely be on teaching, learning, curriculum, and instruction.
She held the district's Chief of School Support and Interim Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs and Services positions conjunctively since her appointment to the latter role following Lassiter's elevation to deputy superintendent on April 15.
"I am deeply honored and excited to accept the role of Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services," Roach said. "I am grateful for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our district staff, administrators and teachers for student success and academic excellence."
She possesses over 25 years of educator experience, which includes nearly 20 as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and central office administrator within the system. In addition to completing the North Carolina Association of School Superintendents Aspiring Superintendents program cohort VIII in March, 2024, Roach has been a member of the NC Principal & Assistant Principal Association and served as a Pitt County Schools Partnership for Progress Board Member since 2013.
Beginning in 2018, Roach has provided guidance as a Principal Mentor, been an influencer on the PCS Teacher Executive Institute Selection Committee and been active on the R3 Principal Advisory Council.
Roach earned her bachelor and master's degree from East Carolina University before following with a doctorate degree (Ed.D) in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
“Dr. Roach has successfully led our curriculum and instruction team over the past couple of months,” Lassiter said. “She understands what effective teaching and learning look like. I am proud of her leadership, and I look forward to advancing instruction in the Academic Services Department under her guidance.”
Dr. Taylor Matkins
Chief of Schools/Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership
Dr. Taylor Matkins will assume Chief of Schools/Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership duties effective Dec. 2 after spending a collective six-plus years as principal at Pactolus Global School and E.B. Aycock Middle School, respectively. Of Matkins' 13 years of service as an educator, eight have come as an administrator.
This role is a newly created position as part of restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing support for students and educators. It will focus on strengthening school leadership to drive continuous school improvement and raise student achievement.
"I am grateful to Dr. Lassiter for this opportunity to expand my impact and support schools across the district," Matkins said. "I am eager to contribute to strategic efforts that will drive student and community success, solidifying Pitt County Schools as a leader in the East."
He earned Pitt County Schools Principal of the Year honors for the 2022-23 school year, recognizing his leadership during his final year at Pactolus. Upon his arrival at Aycock, Matkins guided students and staff to two years of consistent academic growth that resulted in EBA's exit from the low-performing category and an increase in the school's overall grade status.
His accomplishment at Pactolus resulted in identical results in the classroom, and additionally, managed community, parent and network relationships that positioned the school as a resource hub through his engagement. He served as a science department chair while teaching at EBA during his five-year tenure in the classroom.
Matkins currently holds licensure in middle grades science and social studies, physical education (K-12), school administration (K-12), curriculum and instruction and superintendent.
After earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Carolina University, he followed with a doctorate in education, also from ECU.
“Dr. Matkins has a proven track record of success as a principal,” Lassiter said. “He understands the importance of supporting school leadership and recognizes that strong leadership is key to school improvement. He will be a valuable asset in this new role for school leaders.”
Dr. Tara Patterson
Chief of Human Resources/Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Dr. Tara Patterson will join Pitt County Schools effective Dec. 23 as Chief of Human Resources/Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
"I am excited and humbled to serve as the Chief of Human Resources/Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Pitt County Schools," Patterson said. "I am deeply committed to doing my best for the staff, students, and community. Thank you to Dr. Lassiter and the Pitt County Schools Board of Education for believing in me and providing me with this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working together to continue to grow and reach new heights."
Patterson has served in both administrative and top on-campus leadership roles for the past 10 years as part of a 24-year career in education. Most recently, she has provided oversight to Onslow County Schools' Human Resources and Professional Development initiatives and directives since 2020, which included the recruitment and retention of highly-qualified educators.
In her current position, she also served roles as the district's ADA Coordinator and Title IX Investigator, coordinated National Board Certification and Effective Teacher Training programs, and Beginning Teachers Support.
In on-campus settings, Patterson provided strategic leadership during separate principal tenures in Onslow (Clyde Erwin Elementary Magnet School) and Jones County (Maysville Elementary School) that resulted in measured increases in school grade and growth status at each school. She represented Jones County on the North Carolina Principal's Council, which followed a two-year position as a Professional Development Lead Consultant with the N.C. Department of Instruction (NCDPI), where she earned a rating as a N.C. Educator Evaluation System Expert. She planned and created N.C. Educator Effectiveness System (NCEES) training for school administrators and supported Region 2 Human Resources Directors with NCEES and Educator Effectiveness.
In her first two assistant principal appointments - in the Carteret County Public School system - she served a multitude of roles that included curriculum specialist and beginning teacher coordinator. Patterson began her education career as a teacher at South Graham Elementary School in the Alamance-Burlington Schools system in 2000.
Outside of her duties in public education, Patterson has provided leadership as Cape Carteret Town Commissioner, specifically with parks and recreation, along with public works.
She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Elon University, a master's degree in school administration from East Carolina University and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
“Dr. Patterson has worked in human resources for many years,” Lassiter said. “She has demonstrated her ability to support staff and to be innovative in recruiting and retaining talent for our district. We are thrilled to have Dr. Patterson join us.”
Sara English
Executive Director of Student Services
Sara English was promoted to Executive Director of Student Services, effective immediately, after serving four months in an interim role and another year in a support capacity as coordinator. Prior to being named district's Coordinator of Student Services on May 8, 2023, she was principal at Northwest Elementary School beginning in 2018.
"I am honored and humbled to be selected as the Executive Director of Student Services for Pitt County Schools," English said. "The time I have spent serving as the interim for this position has only confirmed my desire to continue this work on behalf of our students, staff, and community. I appreciate Dr. Lassiter for his guidance, support, and leadership as Pitt County Schools continues its growth."
Overall, English possesses 23 years of experience as an educator covering two states, which includes two principal appointments and an administrative role with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). In addition to her five-year tenure in the top leadership position at Northwest, she was in a similar capacity at P.W. Moore Elementary School in the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools system.
From 2012 to 2015, English was an educational consultant II in the district and school transformation division with NCDPI, first as an elementary instructional coach and then as an instructional technology coach.
She spent seven years in Wake County Public Schools after beginning her educational career in 2001 as a fifth-grade teacher at Samuel Beck Elementary in Fort Worth, Texas. While in the Triangle, English earned Mills Park Elementary School Teacher of the Year honors for the 2009-2010 year and received an Excellence in Teaching Award from the Cary Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, English was a three-year Board member and Writing Project Director for the North Carolina English Teachers' Association, completed the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals' Association (NCPAPA) Distinguished Leadership in Practice development program and was a participant in the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute.
She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of North Texas before following with a master's in school administration from North Carolina State University. English is currently pursuing an Ed.D from Appalachian State University.
“Mrs. English has successfully led our student services department since June,” Lassiter said. “She possesses a unique ability to understand the needs of our students and serve them effectively. I am delighted to have Mrs. English continue serving in this capacity.”
Sam Lee
Principal, E.B. Aycock Middle School
Sam Lee, who currently serves as an assistant principal at J.H. Rose High School will be elevated to the principal's position at E.B. Aycock to replace Matkins, effective Dec. 2.
"I am truly honored for the opportunity to serve as the principal of E.B. Aycock Middle School and join the Jaguar Family," Lee said. "I am excited to work together with the students, staff, families, and community stakeholders to continue building an environment where every student can thrive, learn, and achieve their fullest potential. We will continue to strive to elevate toward success. Go Jags!"
In addition to providing overall strategic leadership support, Lee is directly responsible for many facets - both academically and operationally - that has ensured sustained success at J.H. Rose High School. Along with supervising and coordinating state standardized tests, including PSAT, PreACT and ACT, he has direct oversight of all facility and bus transportation operations for the campus.
Lee also serves as the primary contact for community schools and events, supervises the custodial staff and manages JHR's master calendar, and was the administrative liaison to athletics, fine arts and booster clubs. His direct collaboration with departments are centered on improving curriculum and instruction, as was the implementation of high-quality professional learning communities (PLC), classroom walk-throughs and instructional rounds. Lee is also designated as the lead evaluator for the math, social studies, world language, fine arts and JRTOC department.
As a teacher, he instructed Advanced Placement United States History, American History 1 and 2, Civics and Economics, while also establishing, facilitating and supervising the daily operation of FlexTime Manager and the innovative flex (Refresh and Reform) schedule at JHR. Furthermore, Lee is the Rampants' head men’s and women's soccer coach and holds the title of administrative director of the Pitt-Greenville Soccer Association (PGSA).
He has also completed many certifications and participated in programs/trainings such as North Carolina Teaching Fellows, PCS Academy for Transformational School Leaders, PCS Key Beginning Teachers, Adaptive Schools and Learning Focused Supervision to name a few.
Lee is a two-time East Carolina University graduate, earning his bachelor's degree in secondary history education and a master's in school administration.
“We look forward to Mr. Lee’s leadership,” Lassiter said. “He brings a strong familiarity with the school, having worked his entire career in the J.H. Rose attendance area. He is student-centered and maintains high expectations for all. I am excited to have him at the helm as principal.”
