Salem School Division Superintendent, Dr. Alan Seibert, is pleased to announce that Sara Epperly has been named an assistant principal at Salem High School, effective July 1. She received formal approval from the School Board this week at its February 9 meeting. Epperly has extensive administrative experience in Salem having previously served the division as an assistant principal at both Andrew Lewis Middle and G.W. Carver Elementary schools.
“My parents moved to Salem when I began high school, because the school provided special opportunities and the school division inspired their trust,” says Epperly. “I hope to help ensure a similar experience for today’s students, as we work to provide a rigorous, vibrant and safe learning environment.”
Epperly, who was Sara Page when she graduated from Salem High School in 2001, has three degrees from the University of Virginia – a bachelor’s degree in Politics and East Asian Studies, a master’s degree in Teaching and an education specialist degree in Administration and Supervision. In 2020, she earned her doctorate from Old Dominion University in Educational Leadership.
“Sara brings a wealth of talent, experience, and knowledge to this position, but more important than what she brings is who she is,” says Scott Habeeb, Salem High School Principal. “She sees education as a mission and knows how important it is to impact students beyond the content they are learning. Her desire to love, engage and inspire young people aligns perfectly with our division’s purpose.”
Epperly is proficient in both Mandarin and Spanish and she has worked with children and adults in China, Bangladesh, Poland, Argentina, New Orleans, and Charlottesville. These experiences, coupled with her unique skill set, will allow her to continue her role as Salem’s division-wide English Learner program coordinator.
“Designing appropriate programs for English Learners is an ethical responsibility to these children and in many ways an opportunity for our community, as we help these young people share their assets and gifts,” says Epperly. “Salem is doing meaningful work in this arena, and I am committed to advancing it.”
Epperly and her husband reside in Roanoke city with their three young girls. She replaces Chris Wilkes, who resigned late last year to take a job in the business sector.
- Submitted by Mike Stevens, City of Salem Communications Director
