Dear Transylvania County community,
We are happy to announce that, at last night's Board of Education meeting, the TCS Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Lisa Fletcher's recommendations for principal appointments for the 2026-2027 school year.
All four school leaders are either current TCS principals or assistant principals. Multiple of these four, highly qualified professionals are returning to schools where they have previously served. These new principal appointments take effect on July 1.
Message from Superintendent Dr. Lisa Fletcher:
“Principals help shape the culture, direction, and heart of a school, so every leadership decision is made with great care. A principal has such an important role in the life of a school, and these decisions are always made with students, staff, families, and the school community in mind.
In this case, we are fortunate to have strong leaders already serving our district. These changes are not about replacing leadership, but about placing experienced principals where their strengths can best support the needs of each school. Each of these leaders brings a heart for children, a commitment to public education, and a deep understanding of the relationships that make a school successful.
I am grateful for their willingness to serve where they are needed, and I am excited for the continued care, energy, and leadership they will bring to their new school communities. At the end of the day, our goal remains the same: we want every student to feel known, supported, challenged, and loved”
Jason Ormsby, Brevard High School Jason Ormsby is returning to Brevard High School, where he previously served as principal before spending the last 11 years leading Rosman High School. This year, his colleagues named Mr. Ormsby TCS Principal of the Year, an honor he also received in 2015. Mr. Ormsby began his career in education as a teacher on the Cherokee Reservation before opening an Alternative School in Franklin, NC, where he worked for six years. He later served as an assistant principal and then principal on the Cherokee Reservation before coming to Transylvania County as an assistant principal at Rosman High School under Dr. Brian Weaver’s leadership. He holds a BS from Western Carolina University and a Master of Education from Lincoln Memorial University and has called Transylvania County home for 14 years. His philosophy: "Take care of your kids, give teachers the support they need to do their jobs, and hold high expectations."
Laurie Kleppe, Brevard Middle School Laurie Kleppe is returning to Brevard Middle School as principal, bringing 18 years of TCS experience with her. A Horse Shoe native, Mrs. Kleppe spent nine years teaching 6th grade at BMS, earning BMS Teacher of the Year honors in 2011-2012, and has served as an assistant principal at Rosman Middle and High School for the past nine years. She holds both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Carolina University. She believes success belongs to everyone willing to work for it, and that a safe, supportive environment paired with student ownership and accountability is what makes that possible.
Patrick "Packy" Chapman, Rosman High School Patrick "Packy" Chapman is returning to Rosman High School. He is a lifelong Transylvania County resident, born and raised here for nearly 49 years, who attended T.C. Henderson Elementary before going on to Rosman Middle and High School. Mr. Chapman earned his undergraduate degree in education from Western Carolina University in 1999 and his master's degree in educational administration from WCU in 2020. He began his TCS career as an interim English teacher and assistant football coach at Brevard High School before returning to Rosman High School, where he taught English and coached for nearly 18 years. Mr. Chapman was named Co-Rookie Teacher of the Year for the county in 1999-2000, received the Lillian Cothran Golden Apple Award at RHS, was named RHS Teacher of the Year in 2017-2018, and was named TCS Principal of the Year following the 2021-2022 school year. He became an assistant principal at Rosman High and Rosman Middle in January 2018 and has served as principal of T.C. Henderson since 2020, completing 27 years with Transylvania County Schools. "It is my job to put students and staff in the best possible position for them to thrive and to try to remove as many distractions and obstacles as I can to allow them to grow to their full potential, and always treat people with respect," he said.
Jessica McCall, T.C. Henderson School of Science and Technology Jessica McCall is returning to her elementary school roots. She is a lifelong Transylvania County resident. McCall has lived here for 43 years, and has spent 14 years serving TCS. Currently principal of Brevard Middle School, she has made a positive impact on education in our community for decades. She previously taught at Brevard Elementary School for eight years. Mrs. McCall attended Brevard-area schools in TCS from elementary through college, including BRCC and Brevard College. She holds a master's degree in administration from Western Carolina University. She is also an NC Principal Fellow. Beginning July 1, Mrs. McCall will move into her new role at T.C. Henderson School of Science and Technology. "I believe every student deserves a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where high expectations are matched with meaningful support. By fostering strong relationships and continuous growth, I strive to create a culture where students and staff are empowered to learn, lead, and succeed." She previously taught at Brevard Elementary School and her leadership as principal at BMS has created positive results.
