PENDER COUNTY — Pender County Schools has announced a new principal will take over West Pender Middle School.
Dr. Ashley Goodlett is a native of Pender County, who brings a personal connection to the community and more than 17 years of experience in education.
“My guiding belief is that the strength of a community is built on strong relationships, and through collaboration, we achieve success,” Goodlett said in a press release. “I am honored to serve West Pender Middle School and look forward to working alongside our students, staff, families, and community partners to continue building a culture of trust, collaboration, and student success.”
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Having begun her educational career with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and minor in Chemistry, Goodlett started working in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as a lateral entry teacher, earning certification as a middle and high school science teacher. She then earned her masters of teaching from Winston-Salem State University and a post-master’s certificate, educational specialist degree, and doctor in education leadership from UNC Greensboro.
Goodlett has since worked as a curriculum coordinator and assistant principal in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. She relocated to coastal North Carolina in 2018 and served as assistant principal in New Hanover County.
She is stepping into the shoes of Paige Garza, who served as the principal for West Pender Middle School since 2022.
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