SURF CITY — Pender County Schools has appointed a new principal for Surf City Elementary School’s 2025-2026 school year.
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Karla Smith, who was hired for the position, has over three decades of experience in public education, including 16 years as an elementary school teacher and 15 years as an elementary school administrator.
According to the district, Smith was hired because she demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, school improvement and staff retention throughout her career. In addition, she recently led a school that exceeded academic growth targets for four consecutive years and exited low-performing status. This is an achievement the district says reflects her “effective leadership, data-driven decision making, and dedication to fostering a positive and collaborative school culture.”
As Smith and her fiance build their new home in Hampstead, she said she was excited to work with Pender County Schools and get involved in the community.
“I am so thrilled to be joining Pender County and Surf City Elementary as Principal for the 2025-2026 school year,” she said. “I pride myself on being a transformational leader. The magic in leadership happens when you succeed in making others believe in you and your vision for the school.”
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