news-record.com

On the heels of the untimely death of a respected collegue, Pam Misher has been tasked to lead E.P. Pearce Elementary School into its inaugural year.

She fills the position left by Leslie Dunn, who died June 26 while attending an education conference in Asheville. Misher was appointed Aug. 1.

"All of the principals knew her very well," Misher said. "She was an outstanding administrator, and you can tell she had been working hard, hiring staff and working around the many construction issues. She oversaw the many things that were done here -- that was tremendous."

Misher left her previous job as principal at Alderman Elementary with mixed emotions. It was difficult to say goodbye to her staff, but at the same time she was excited to meet a new staff and take on the adventure of opening a new elementary school.

She's been working hard to get her staff moved into the new school on Pleasant Ridge Road, as well as meeting with parents and fine tuning schedules.

"Just like with a new home, you have a punch list of things that still need to be done," Misher said. "They will be working on that until the time the school opens. I think we are on schedule."

The school is expected to be at near capacity for its first year, with an estimated 765 students, in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Misher has been in education for more than 20 years, and has spent the past 17 as an administrator.

Her name may be familiar to northwest area parents. She formerly served as principal at Summerfield Elementary and her husband, Sam, is principal at Northern Middle School.

"I love what I do," Misher said. "I'm excited to be part of another great community. People have been warm and inviting, considering the circumstances."

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7157 or rseals@news-record.com