An Exciting Leadership Announcement from the NDS Board
Dear NDS Families,
Thank you. For your patience through an uncertain transition, for reaching out directly with questions and concerns, and for trusting that we were working toward solutions. We know that the past several months have brought questions and, for some, uncertainty. Many of you reached out with thoughtful questions because you care deeply about our school and so do we. Thank you for the patience you have shown as we worked through this transition and remained focused on what is best for NDS in the long term.
Today, we have news we are excited to share.
Mrs. Heather Hollifield has generously agreed to serve as Interim Director of New Dimensions Charter School, effective June 8, while the board conducts a thorough search for our permanent Director. We are taking that search seriously, and we are equally serious about ensuring that NDS has the support and leadership it deserves in the meantime.
Heather is not a stranger to NDS. She joined us to teach 6th grade Social Studies and Science right here this year, sitting in the same meetings, walking the same hallways, and learning alongside the staff and students you know. She chose to be at NDS. Now she is choosing to lead it.
She brings 28 years in education, including her service as principal of Table Rock Middle School and as assistant principal across multiple schools in Burke and Catawba counties. She holds a Master of School Administration from Western Carolina University and is known for her thoughtful leadership, strong communication skills and commitment to supporting students, staff and families.
There is more to look forward to this fall.
For the first time in several years, NDS enters the summer on track for a fully-staffed instructional team. Your children will walk into a school this fall where every position is filled by someone who is prepared, acclimated to their team and our campus, and ready to build relationships with families as they guide our students.
With Mr. David Brown's retirement as our Middle School Principal, we are excited to welcome Mr. Eric Shehan from his Vice Principal position at Draughn High School. Mrs. Courtney Kisner, an NDS original and a true triple threat, steps into the music program Mrs. Alice Burnette built with such care. Spanish instruction returns with Señora Yami Batz. And Mrs. Lora Austin is leading a thoughtful reimagining of our schedule, shaped by the creativity, wisdom, and experience of our long-standing teachers who know this school best.
This year marks NDS's 25th anniversary. We are entering it as a year of renewal -- of culture rebuilt on trust, of transparency families and staff can count on, and of innovation anchored in what has always made this school special: its community. You are that community. We are grateful to walk into this year with you.
In partnership,
NDS Board of Directors
New Dimensions Charter School
