News

School system names new principal for Innovative High School

Kirbey Farley

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 12, 2023

Kirbey Farley, the current assistant principal of North Henderson High School, has been named principal at the Innovative High School, the Henderson County school system announced.

She will serve as principal of both the Henderson County Early College and Henderson County Career Academy in the Innovative High School building on the Blue Ridge Community College campus. Farley fills the position vacated by Shannon Auten, the school system's new director of student services. 

“I am thrilled to be appointed as the principal at Innovative High School,” Farley said. “Having the privilege to lead an environment that cultivates creativity, fosters meaningful connections, and empowers students to reach their fullest potential is a true honor. I am eager to collaborate with the extraordinary team, educators, students, and families as we embark on this educational journey together.”

For the past three years, Farley has served as assistant principal at North. Before joining the school system in 2020, Farley served as an NCWorks Career Coach at Blue Ridge Community College and Western Piedmont Community College. She began her career in education as a language arts teacher in 2007. 

“Ms. Farley's passions and educational work experiences are tailor made to lead IHS into the future, building on the already great success of the Career Academy and the Early College,” county schools Superintendent Mark R. Garrett said. 

Farley obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Elon University and holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education-Community College and University Leadership from Appalachian State University. In 2020, she completed the North Carolina Principal Licensure at Western Carolina University.