Catawba County Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Stover announced the appointment of four new principals—Mountain View Elementary School, Webb A. Murray Elementary School, St. Stephens Elementary School, and St. Stephens High School. The Board of Education confirmed these appointments at its regular meeting on Monday night. All four principals will assume their new roles on July 1, 2026.

“We are excited that these four talented educators will be sharing their passion, leadership, and experience with our students, staff, and families,” said Dr. Stover. “Each of these leaders has already made a significant impact within our district, and it is especially rewarding to see them continue their professional journey in these new roles.”

Heather Kelly has been named the next principal of Mountain View Elementary School. Currently serving as assistant principal at Mill Creek Middle School, Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Pfeiffer University and a master’s degree in school leadership from Appalachian State University. Kelly said she is honored to lead Mountain View Elementary and looks forward to building on the school’s tradition of excellence by fostering strong relationships, supporting high-quality instruction, and ensuring every student feels known, challenged and inspired. A resident of Newton, she is married and has three grown children.

Rai Robinson will take over as principal of Webb A. Murray Elementary School. Robinson currently serves as assistant principal at the school and holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education as well as a master’s degree in school administration. In 2025, he was recognized as Catawba County Schools Administrator of the Month. Robinson said he is honored to serve as principal and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact on students while building on the school’s strong tradition of excellence. A resident of Hickory, he has two daughters who attend Catawba County Schools.

Lauren Timblin has been selected as the next principal of St. Stephens Elementary School. Timblin currently serves as assistant principal at the school and has been part of the St. Stephens Elementary community for the past three years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from State University of New York at Fredonia and completed the School Executive Leadership Academy through Queens University of Charlotte. Timblin has been recognized as a Catawba County Schools Administrator of the Month and previously earned Teacher of the Year honors. She said she is honored to lead St. Stephens Elementary and is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive. A resident of Sherrills Ford, she and her husband, Corey, have a 4-year-old son, Noah.

Matthew Barham has been appointed principal of St. Stephens High School. Barham currently serves as principal of St. Stephens Elementary School and will return to his alma mater to lead the high school. Barham said he is honored to return to St. Stephens High School and looks forward to building on its tradition of academic excellence while fostering a safe, inclusive environment where all students feel welcomed, valued and prepared for future opportunities. A resident of Conover, he and his wife are the parents of two children.

To learn more about Catawba County Schools, please visit www.catawbaschools.net.