Principal Appointments Announced for Ridgewood, South Greenville
New principal appointments for Ridgewood and South Greenville Elementary Schools, effective July 1, 2025, were announced by Pitt County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve M. Lassiter Jr. on Monday.
Anitra Cook, an assistant principal at Wahl-Coates Elementary School of the Arts since 2022, has been elevated to take over the top role at South Greenville, while Katherine Swain has been promoted to principal status at Ridgewood after seven years as an assistant principal at Lakeforest Elementary.
Anitra Cook
Principal, South Greenville Elementary School
Her new assignment to lead the Cheetahs will conclude an overall six-year assistant principal tenure which included earlier service at Farmville Middle School from 2019 to 2022. Cook began her PCS career as a media coordinator at Sam D. Bundy Elementary in 2014 where she managed all facets of the school's library and served as the county-to-school liaison for technology development.
"I am truly honored and humbled to accept the position of principal at South Greenville," Cook said. "I am thankful for the opportunity to serve a school with such a rich legacy and resilient spirit. Together, we will build on our strengths, foster a culture of excellence, and ensure that every child thrives.
"I look forward to partnering with our staff, families, and community as we write the next powerful chapter in South Greenville’s story."
Prior to her arrival in Pitt County, Cook spent time in the classroom as a teacher in the Bertie County and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools systems beginning in 2008. She also served as an adjunct instructor and advisor at Shaw University, covering college level curriculum for the Department of Humanities from 2009 to 2011, which followed a position as a cataloger for East Carolina University's Joyner Library.
Cook's accomplishments have been recognized often during her career, which include receiving the CMS Crystal Apple Award and Innovation Technology Award, and selection as the PCS Media Coordinator of the Year and as an Emerging Leader for the North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA).
Additionally, she has recently completed professional development programs such as the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals' Association (NCPAPA) in 2021-22, the NC Equity Fellowship (2023-24) and NC Principal Accelerator (2024-25). Cook also received training in Cognitive Coaching, Capturing Kids Hearts, Situational Leadership and Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work to name a few.
Cook earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in English from ECU in 2005 and 2007, respectively. She added a degree in school administration from UNC-Greensboro in 2019 and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T.
"Mrs. Cook’s experience and passion for educational excellence, along with her commitment to a positive and inclusive school culture, will be tremendous assets to students, staff and families at South Greenville Elementary," Lassiter said. "Her strong communication and problem-solving skills make her uniquely qualified for this leadership position and I am confident she will enhance an already conducive environment for sustained success."
Cook will replace Alison Covington, who was named Sugg-Bundy Elementary School's principal May 27.
Katherine Swain
Principal, Ridgewood Elementary School
Swain, who was selected as the 2025 PCS Assistant Principal of the Year last October, owns eight years of administrative experience and 23 overall years in education. She assumed her current position at Lakeforest in 2018 upon completion of the prestigious North Carolina Principal Fellows Program.
She helped play a key role in Lakeforest's selection as a North Carolina Model STEM School of Distinction and as an AVID Elementary Showcase School.
"I’m honored to be joining the Ridgewood Elementary School family," Swain said. "Ridgewood has a strong tradition of academic success, supported by a dedicated staff and strong family and community partnerships.
"As principal, I look forward to building on this foundation to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every child is challenged, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Go Sharks!"
Swain has taken an active initiative in leadership development, currently serving on the PCS Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Team while also engaging as a district summer school administrator for the past five years and participating in the PCS Academy for Transformational School Leaders.
Most recently she has completed training in Literacy for Leaders, NCStar and School Improvement, Capturing Kids Hearts, NCCAT STEM School of Distinction Institute and Dale Carnegie's 'Develop Your Leadership Potential.'
Before joining PCS, Swain spent 16 years in Cumberland County Schools as a teacher at Jack Britt High School (2002-16) and Montclair Elementary (2017), which preceded her principal internship at Brentwood Elementary during the 2017-18 academic year.
Swain earned a bachelor's degree from ECU and followed with a master's of school administration from Fayetteville State University. She also holds North Carolina Licensure in School Administration.
“Mrs. Swain's exceptional leadership capability, commitment to student success and dedication make her the ideal choice to lead Ridgewood, especially as the school continues its journey as a Model Professional Learning Community At Work®," Lassiter said. "I am confident Mrs. Swain will be an invaluable addition to that school community by inspiring excellence and innovation.”
Swain replaces Dr. Kirby Maness, who was appointed principal at Ayden-Grifton High School May 27.
