– Information from Vance County Schools Chief Officer of Accountability, Research & Communication Aarika Sandlin
The Vance County Board of Education has appointed Rey Horner as assistant superintendent of Auxiliary and Student Services and Dr. Jacqueline Batchelor-Crosson as chief officer of Academics and Federal Programs.
Horner and Batchelor-Crosson will begin their new roles immediately, according to information from VCS Chief Officer of Accountability, Research & Communication Aarika Sandlin.
A native of Henderson and Vance Sr. High School graudate, Horner earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from N.C. A &T State University and a Master’s degree in School Administration from Western Carolina University.
Horner’s career with Vance County Schools began in 1997 as a high school science teacher at Southern Vance High School. Throughout his career, he has served the district in a variety of leadership roles, including testing coordinator, assistant principal, Interim Director of AVID, principal of STEM Early High School, Southern Vance High School, and Vance County High School and most recently served as chief officer of Student Services.
As Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary and Student Services, Horner will provide leadership and oversight in areas that support the district’s schools, students and overall operations including maintenance and transportation. His extensive experience in instruction, school administration, student support and district leadership will position him to advance the district’s commitment to providing students and staff with the resources and services they need to succeed.
With nearly three decades of experience in education and a deep connection to Vance County Schools, Horner brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership and experience to his new role. The district is confident that his expertise and commitment to students will be valuable assets as he leads the Auxiliary and Student Services teams. Horner shared, “I am honored to serve Vance County Schools in this new capacity. Having spent my career in this district, I look forward to supporting our students, staff, and schools, building on the great work already underway.”
In her new role as chief officer of Academics & Federal Programs, Batchelor-Crosson will provide leadership and strategic direction for instructional initiatives and federal programs across the district. In this role, she will use her experience in teaching, school administration, instructional leadership and federal programs to support student achievement and help strengthen schools.
With an undergraduate degree from Fayetteville State University and both a Master’s and Doctorate from the University of Phoenix, Batchelor-Crosson also holds certifications in Elementary Education K-6 and School Administration.
Beginning her career in education in 2002 as a teacher at Pinkston Street Elementary, Since beginning her career in 2002 as a teacher at Pinkston Street Elementary, Batchelor-Crosson went on to lead the school’s 21st Century Community Learning Center. She later served as an assistant principal in Vance County Schools before returning to Pinkston Street Elementary as principal. She was named Vance County Schools Principal of the Year in 2022 and then served as the director of Elementary Education and Federal Programs, where she provided leadership in the oversight of federally funded programs designed to support student success, as well as support to the district’s elementary schools.
With a career spanning more than two decades and a commitment to instructional excellence, school leadership, and equitable opportunities for students, Batchelor-Crosson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the district’s instructional priorities, strengthening federal program initiatives, and ensuring schools have the resources and support needed to help every student thrive. She shared, “I am honored to serve Vance County Schools in this new capacity. I look forward to working alongside our schools and staff to strengthen instruction, support student success, and ensure our federal programs continue to provide meaningful opportunities for every student.”
The superintendent welcomed Horner and Batchelor-Crosson into their new leadership roles. “Both bring a deep understanding of Vance County Schools, a strong commitment to our students and staff, and years of proven leadership experience. Their knowledge of our schools and communities, combined with their dedication to student success, will be invaluable as we continue to move our district forward. I am confident that their leadership will strengthen our work in instruction, federal programs, operations, and student services, and I look forward to the positive impact they will have across our school system,” she said.
As part of these leadership changes, Batchelor-Crosson and Mr. Horner will assume expanded responsibilities while building upon their existing leadership roles. Batchelor-Crosson will add oversight of Instruction to her existing leadership of Federal Programs, responsibilities previously held by Ross-Putney. Horner will expand his current district leadership responsibilities to include Auxiliary and Student Services following the recent retirement of the chief of Operations.
