News

New HES principal feels like she's 'won the lottery'

Carolyn Henderson

By Bill Moss, Published: June 16, 2024

Carolyn Henderson has been named principal at Hendersonville Elementary School following approval of the appointment by the Henderson County School Board last month.

Henderson knows the school well. She previously served as an instructional coach there, and also at Hillandale, Atkinson, and Bruce Drysdale Elementary schools from 2011 to 2021. She has served as the assistant principal at Bruce Drysdale Elementary School since July 2021.

“Ms. Henderson’s background, skills and experiences have prepared her well to step into this principalship," Superintendent Mark R. Garrett said. "She is a driven, effective, and impactful educator who puts the needs of students at the core of her decisions. Having proven her success both in the classroom and as an administrator, I am confident she will excel as the principal of Hendersonville Elementary School."

Henderson holds a master of arts in school administration from Gardner-Webb University. A National Board Certified Teacher, she has been named Teacher of the Year twice — at Balfour Elementary School in 2000 and Hillandale Elementary School in 2009.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Hendersonville Elementary School to serve as their next principal,” she said. “During my time at HES as an instructional coach, I was deeply impressed by the hardworking staff, their unwavering dedication to student success, and the strong support they provide to families. I cannot wait to get started in this new role and feel incredibly fortunate for this opportunity—it truly feels like I have won the lottery!”