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Operations Staff

Click on a staff member's name to send them an email

Dr. Melissa Blackwell - Superintendent

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Dr. Blackwell has Johnston County roots as a graduate of South Johnston High School, so she is familiar with the needs of our community and resources available to provide students a stellar educational experience. Dr. Blackwell began her professional career as a literature, science and social studies instructor for middle school students. Within six years, she had secured a position at one of the top K-12 public charter schools in the state (Franklin Academy, Wake Forest). In 2011, Dr. Blackwell transitioned from a middle school literature instructor to a middle and high school administrator at the highly regarded Thales Academy. Over the course of eight years at Thales Academy, Dr. Blackwell gained extensive experience in curriculum coordination, staff evaluations, parent engagement, talent recruitment and growth, enrollment management, testing, college counseling, budgeting and finance. Most recently, Dr. Blackwell served as Head of School at Fusion Academy which offers an innovative personalized learning environment. 

​Dr. Blackwell has ambitiously pursued opportunities to expand her knowledge, credibility, and expertise throughout her 23 years of experience in education. After graduating from Johnston Community College, she pursued her Bachelor of Science from NC State University followed by a Masters of Education in Reading. In 2009, she obtained National Board Certification on her first attempt! In 2011, she received her Mentor Certification along with her Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership and School Administration from Walden University. She completed her Doctorate of Education from Walden University in February of 2019. She is also an active member of the National Society for Leadership and Success and a member of the 2022-2023 NCDPI ACCESS Fellowship program. Working with school leaders, entrepreneurs, and teachers energizes her, and she finds her purpose in helping others discover theirs. She is unapologetically relentless in her pursuit of what is best for students, and she works tirelessly to provide an equitable and inclusive educational experience for every child every day. 

Administration

Samantha Dunn
Director of lower Academy

​Tyler Grady
​
DIRECTOR OF Upper ACADEMY

Amanda Swartzlander
​
Director of Special Programs

Karen COnley
Assistant Director K-12

Jamie Johnson
​
DIRECTOR OF Exceptional Children

Amanda Highfil
​
DIRECTOR OF Business

Brad Williams
​
DIRECTOR OF Technology


Student Services

Beverly Alexander
Title I/AIG

Amy McGinnis
​
Upper Academy Counselor

Anna Fowler
​
Testing and Community College Coordinator


Support Staff

Josh Bunner
​
Facilities Manager

Sharon Crumpler
​
OFFICE ASSISTANT

Stacy Moody
​
Office Assistant

Emily Harris
​
Development MANAGER

Tracey Richards
School Nurse

Jennifer Cochran/Conner Pulley
​
Athletic Directors

Neuse Charter School
Copyright © 2023
  • Home
  • Operations
    • Board of Directors
    • Operations Staff
    • School Documents
    • Useful Links >
      • Tutorials
      • EZ School Apps
      • Student Absence/Sign In Form
      • Homebase for Students and Staff
      • Lunch
      • NCS Canvas
      • NCS Clever
      • NCS Media Center
      • Public Library of Johnston County
      • PowerSchool Parent Portal
    • Parent/Student Handbook
  • Current Families
    • Strategic Plan 2025-2030
    • Tutorials
    • Accountability >
      • Say Something Anonymous Reporting
      • Special Programs >
        • AIG
        • Title I
        • EL
        • Section 504
      • Testing Data
      • Parents Bill of Rights
      • Title IX
      • USDA Statement
      • Board of Directors
    • Calendar
    • Lower Academy K-5 >
      • Lower Academy Blog
      • Lower Academy Staff
      • Supply LIsts
    • Upper Academy 6-12 >
      • Upper Academy Blog
      • Upper Academy Staff
      • Supply Lists
    • Exceptional Children's >
      • Exceptional Children Staff
    • Student Services >
      • Counseling
      • Military Family Resources
      • College and Career
  • Involvement
    • Giving to Neuse
    • Neuse News
    • Calendar
    • Volunteer Application
    • Arts
    • Athletics
    • Athletics Booster Club
  • Interested in NCS
    • Enrollment
    • Tour Neuse Charter >
      • K-5 Tours
      • 6-12 Tours
    • Employment