Johnston County Public Schools names two new principals

Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SMITHFIELD — Crystal Gregory was named the principal of Innovation Academy at South Campus, and Tami Poland was named principal of Polenta Elementary at a special Johnston County Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Dec. 2.

Both will take their new positions Jan. 3. Gregory comes to Johnston County Public Schools from the Wake County public school system. She has served in education over the last decade, most recently as assistant principal at Willow Spring High School in Fuquay-Varina.

Gregory shared that she feels a deep connection to the school, as her children currently attend IASC. “I am coming from Wake County, but moving to Innovation Academy feels like coming home,” Gregory said. “Our family chose the personalized educational experience that the school offers for our own children, and I believe that all families should have access to this type of education.” Gregory brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role, having served as assistant principal at both Willow Spring High School and Fuquay-Varina High School.

She has also served as an instructional management coordinator for both Wake and Harnett county schools, and a teacher in both Wake and Winston-Salem/Forsyth schools.

“We look forward to being a part of Mrs. Gregory expanding her educational career here in Johnston County Public Schools,” said Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy. “She knows the school community, and we believe the students will accomplish great things under her leadership.”

The Innovation Academy, located in Smithfield, offers personalized learning opportunities for its students. The school, which is open to students in grades six through eight, requires student admission through an application process.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2022-2023 school year.

“This school has been amazing for our family,” said Gregory. “I look forward to impacting change not only for my own children, but for all of the children and families that attend our school.”

Poland has served Johnston County Public Schools as an educator for the last decade and has strong ties to the community that Polenta Elementary serves. Most recently, she was the assistant principal at Meadow School.

“I am honored to begin my career as a principal at Polenta Elementary School,” Poland said. “I have a passion for working with young students and their families and I cannot wait to get started on this new endeavor.”

Before her time working as assistant principal at Meadow, Poland was the assistant principal at Cooper Academy, which is where she also completed her AP internship. She has also served as a teacher at schools in the Clayton community. Poland has spent many years working with families throughout Johnston County, and also served as a family minister for C3 Church from 2004-2010.

She holds a master's of school administration from N.C. State University, and a bachelor of arts in elementary education from UNC Wilmington.

“I look forward to seeing all of the wonderful things Mrs. Poland will accomplish as Principal at Polenta Elementary,” Bracy said. “She has a contagious personality and is focused on student success. I know she will work hard for her students and their families.”