RRGSD announced administrative changes involving, top row from left, Lauren Hinnant, Krissy Martin and David Cooke; and bottom row, Terkessha Odom, Josh Clark and Shannon Dickinson. (Photos courtesy RRGSD)
ROANOKE RAPIDS — Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Superintendent Dr. Bennett Jones is following through on a commitment he made to the Board of Trustees to evaluate the school system during his first 90 days and recommend changes where needed.
Following what the district described as a comprehensive review of central services operations and personnel, Jones announced Thursday a series of administrative changes for the 2026-27 school year, including promotions, expanded responsibilities and the consolidation of several positions.
“I pledged to the Board of Trustees that in my first 90 days I would evaluate all aspects of the system and recommend revisions and improvements as identified to ensure we have people in the right positions in district leadership while streamlining our processes where possible to best utilize district funds,” Jones said.
Jones said the resulting changes have provided advancement opportunities for current district leaders while also consolidating several positions, saving the district tens of thousands of dollars.
According to Jones, those savings can now be directed toward other areas of district operations, including school safety initiatives, campus improvements and a comprehensive recruitment and retention program for educators that he said is coming soon.
Hinnant named assistant superintendent
Lauren Hinnant has been promoted from executive director to assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and accountability.
Hinnant has worked for RRGSD for 13 years and spent the past four years as executive director of instructional services. She previously served as principal of Manning Elementary School from 2017 to 2022 and as an assistant principal beginning in 2013. She was named the district’s Principal of the Year in 2019 and again in 2022.
In her new position, Hinnant will oversee an area responsible for pre-K-12 curriculum and instruction, teacher support, data analysis, state and local assessments and instructional improvement efforts.
“I am excited for this opportunity to continue to support RRGSD staff and students in all aspects of teaching and learning, as we work to be the best educational choice for students and their families,” Hinnant said.
Martin promoted to assistant superintendent
Krissy Martin has been promoted from director to assistant superintendent of student services.
Martin joined RRGSD in 2022 and previously led the district’s Exceptional Children and Multi-Tiered System of Support programs. In her new position, she will help oversee all aspects of the district’s student support services team.
Martin holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and an Educational Specialist degree in Education Administration and Supervision.
Cooke takes expanded facilities and technology role
David Cooke has been named chief of facilities and technology, expanding his responsibilities to include district facilities, infrastructure and major capital projects alongside technology operations.
Cooke has worked for RRGSD for more than 15 years, including more than seven years as chief technology officer. He is also a Certified Educational Chief Technology Officer through the UNC School of Government.
Odom named Early College principal
Terkessha Odom has been promoted from director of ACES to principal of Roanoke Rapids Early College.
Odom is beginning her sixth year with RRGSD after previously serving as an assistant principal and ACES administrator. Before joining the district, she worked for more than 20 years in Nash County as a teacher and central office director.
Odom holds two teaching degrees and earned a master’s degree in school administration from Barton College.
Clark named CTE director
Josh Clark has been promoted from assistant principal to director of Career and Technical Education.
Clark began his public education career in 2015 as a CTE teacher at Roanoke Rapids High School, where he spent nine years teaching public safety and law and justice courses.
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former law enforcement officer with 15 years of service, Clark will also serve as a member of the district’s safety team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in school administration from North Carolina State University.
“I am excited to return to my CTE roots in a district leadership capacity and am committed to supporting teachers, expanding opportunities for students, strengthening partnerships with business and industry, and ensuring CTE programs prepare students for success in college, careers, and life,” Clark said.
Dickinson named accountability director
Shannon Dickinson has been named director of accountability and beginning teacher support.
Dickinson had been set to retire from her position as an instructional coach at Chaloner at the end of the previous school year.
In her new role, Dickinson will help analyze data to guide instructional efforts while also supporting and mentoring beginning teachers in the district.
