Surry County Schools is pleased to announce several key administrative appointments ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year. These leadership transitions reflect the district’s commitment to building strong teams that support student success and enhance school operations.
Laura Neely has been named the new Chief Finance Officer for Surry County Schools. Neely brings extensive experience in public finance and administration, having previously served as Finance Officer for Surry County, Town Manager of Dobson, and Finance Officer for the Town of Dobson. Neely holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from UNC Greensboro and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UNC Pembroke. Her background in both finance and leadership will be instrumental in supporting the district’s fiscal health and long-term planning.
“I am truly excited to join Surry County Schools and be part of a community that cares deeply for its students and staff,” said Neely. “I’m ready to listen, learn, and work alongside all of you to keep things running smoothly and responsibly. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started in this new role!”
Amy Samples has been named the new Director of Human Resources for Surry County Schools. Samples currently serves as the district’s Director of Transportation, where she has overseen daily operations, compliance, personnel, and budgeting for all student transportation services. She brings over 20 years of experience in public education, including roles as principal and assistant principal in Wilkes County Schools. Her leadership has focused on staff development, student safety, operations, and strategic planning. Samples holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lees-McRae College and an Associate of Science from Surry Community College. She earned her Master’s in School Administration from Western Carolina University as part of the prestigious North Carolina Principal Fellows program. Her extensive experience in both instructional and operational leadership positions her well to serve and support the district’s educators and staff. The Director of Transportation position will be posted.
“It has been a true blessing to serve as Director of Transportation and have the privilege of working alongside a team that ensures our students arrive safely to school each day - one of the foundational elements of student success. I am incredibly proud of our transportation staff and the hard work they do each day,” says Samples. “I am grateful for a new opportunity and chapter in my career to serve as the Director of Human Resources. I look forward to continuing to serve our school system in this new role by supporting our greatest resource - it's people. I will advocate for the needs and development of our exceptional employees to help ensure they are equipped to best serve all students. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity and am excited about the path ahead as we continue to do great things in Surry County Schools.”
Megan Park, a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist and Program Specialist within Surry County Schools, has been named the new Director of Exceptional Children. Park brings nearly two decades of experience serving exceptional children in various capacities. Since 2005, she has worked as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist, Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher, and most recently, as an EC Program Specialist. Her work has spanned from pre-kindergarten through high school, providing therapy, instruction, evaluations, and progress monitoring for students in both general and adapted curriculum settings. As an EC Program Specialist, Park has supported district-wide compliance efforts and provided instructional coaching for EC staff.
A graduate of Appalachian State University, Park earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2003 and her Master of Speech Pathology in 2005. In 2018, she completed her Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Alaska at Anchorage, and later earned a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration. Her experiences, including time spent working and traveling in Alaska, have shaped her passion for advocating for students with disabilities in rural areas.
“I am very grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve the students, parents, and fellow educators in a different role for Surry County Schools,” commented Park. “During my time in the field of education, I have worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist, EC Teacher, and EC Program Specialist with students in Pre-K through high school. These roles have allowed me to serve and advocate in the field of special education. I am passionate about special education and look forward to continuing the excellent work of the Surry County Schools’ EC Department.”
In addition to district-level appointments, two school leadership changes will take place for the upcoming school year. Tamara Martin, who has served as principal at Copeland Elementary School, will transition to Flat Rock Elementary School to serve as principal. Martin has previously served as the Assistant Principal and as a Principal Preparation for Excellence and Equity in Rural Schools (PPEERS) intern at Central Middle School. Donna Bledsoe, currently the principal at Cedar Ridge Elementary School, will assume the principal role at Copeland Elementary School. Bledsoe has previously served as the principal at Mountain Park Elementary School and as an assistant principal at Cedar Ridge Elementary School, and was named the 2023 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year.
Both leaders have made significant contributions to their current schools, and the district is confident they will support student and staff success in their new roles. As a result of these changes, the principal position at Cedar Ridge Elementary School will be posted.
“These leaders bring valuable experience and a shared passion for supporting students and staff,” said Dr. Travis L. Reeves, Superintendent of Surry County Schools. “We are excited to welcome them into their new roles and look forward to the impact they will make on our school system.”