New principal named for Oak Grove Elementary School
DURHAM—Yvette C. Smith, an educator from Wayne County Schools, has been named Principal of Oak Grove Elementary School. She will replace Judy Cutts upon her retirement in June. Smith has been Assistant Principal of Northeast Elementary School in Wayne County since 2002, where she taught for the previous nine years. She was named Teacher of the Year at the school for the 1996-97 school year and was voted Wayne County Elementary Math Teacher of the Year the same year. She served on the North Carolina Teacher Advisory Panel, assisting in the writing and revision of math textbooks for next school year, and has conducted seminars to assist parents with strategies to help their children improve in school. In addition, Smith assisted in conducting professional development activities for lateral entry teachers in Wayne County. “It will be an honor and a privilege to work in Durham Public Schools,” said Smith. “I am excited about meeting the Oak Grove students, families and staff members, and will do my best to work with them as a team to continue to increase student achievement.” Smith holds a Master’s degree in School Administration from Campbell University and Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from North Carolina Central University, where she also graduated with a BA in Elementary Education. “Yvette Smith exhibits the energy, enthusiasm and experience to build upon the considerable progress that has been made at Oak Grove Elementary School over the last several years,” said Superintendent Ann T. Denlinger. “Her dynamic personality combined with her expertise in elementary education makes her an excellent match for the school.” ###
