-information courtesy of VCS Chief Communications Officer Aarika Sandlin
Vance County Schools has announced several principal and central services changes for the upcoming school year.
Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett stated that each of the five has a strong record of success and impact. “I am sure VCS parents and the community at large recognize their commitment to our students and the profession. Acknowledging that we have a strong pool of internal candidates is truly an asset when we have leadership growth opportunities– a testament to the highly skilled professionals who call VCS their home.”
Jeffrey Batten, Vance Virtual Village Academy Principal
Dr. Jeffrey Batten will serve as the new Principal of Vance Virtual Village Academy, located at the Center for Innovation (CFI). Dr. Batten’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Trinity University, a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy from Texas A&M University, and a Masters in School Administration from North Carolina State University. With NC certifications in Science (6-9, 9-12) and as a School Administrator: Principal, Dr. Batten began his career 20 years ago as a science teacher in Granville County. He was named the 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year at Hawley Middle School. After serving as an assistant principal at South Granville High School and Cedar Ridge High School, Dr. Batten joined Vance County Schools in 2022 as an Assistant Principal, later becoming the Principal of EO Young Elementary. His vast experience and dedication to education will be invaluable as he transitions to his new role.
Kristen Boyd, EO Young Elementary Principal
Kristen Boyd will take on the role of Principal at EO Young Elementary. Ms. Boyd’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from North Carolina State University. She holds NC certifications in K-6 Elementary Education, School Administrator: Principal, and Academically or Intellectually Gifted. Ms. Boyd has been an educator since 2001, serving as a 2nd and 3rd-grade teacher and later as an Assistant Principal and Principal at Aycock Elementary. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2006 and District Principal of the Year in 2017-2018. She is a graduate of Leadership Vance and the Teachers Executive Institute. Her leadership and passion for education will continue to benefit the students and staff at EO Young Elementary.
Donald Johnson III, Aycock Elementary Principal
Donald Johnson III will be stepping into the role of Principal at Aycock Elementary. Mr. Johnson earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. He holds NC certifications in Elementary Education K-6 and School Administrator: Principal. Mr. Johnson’s career in education began as a teacher and Assistant Principal in Granville County. Since joining Vance County Schools in 2021, he has served as the Assistant Principal at Aycock Elementary, earning the title of 2022 District Assistant Principal of the Year. He is also a Leadership Vance graduate. Johnson’s experience and dedication to student achievement make him an excellent fit for his new position.
Chelsa Jennings, Chief Officer of Human Resources
Chelsa Jennings will serve as Chief Officer of Human Resources. Ms. Jennings began her career in Warren County in 1995 as an Instructional Assistant and later an elementary teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina Central University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University. Jennings is currently pursuing her Ed.D in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She holds NC certifications in Elementary Education K-6, School Administrator: Principal and Superintendent, and Curriculum Instructional Specialist. Jennings has served as Director of Testing and Accountability, Curriculum Facilitator, Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Chief Academic Officer prior to joining Vance County Schools. She joined the district in 2021 as the Executive Director of Elementary Education.
Dr. Jacqueline Batchelor-Crosson, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Elementary Education
Dr. Jacqueline Batchelor-Crosson will now serve as the Executive Director of Federal Programs and Elementary Education. Dr. Batchelor-Crosson earned her undergraduate degree from Fayetteville State University and both her Master’s and Doctorate from the University of Phoenix. She holds NC certifications in Elementary Education K-6 and School Administrator: Principal. Starting her career in 2002 as a teacher at Pinkston Street Elementary, she went on to lead the Pinkston Street Elementary 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC). Batchelor-Crosson later served as an Assistant Principal in Vance County Schools and then Pinkston Street Elementary Principal. She was named Vance County Schools Principal of the Year in 2022 before being named the Director of Federal Programs. Dr. Batchelor-Crosson’s extensive experience and dedication to education will be instrumental in her new role.
