Salem School Division Superintendent Dr. Curtis Hicks announced assistant principal appointments at several schools in the division last week.
Jamie Garst is returning to Salem High School to serve as an assistant principal, Nikki Mitchem is set to resume her administrative career as an assistant principal at Andrew Lewis Middle and Marcee McMillan is leaving the classroom for an assistant principal position at East Salem Elementary.
“It is truly rare to have the opportunity to hire administrators with this level of experience and commitment to students,” said Hicks. “Each of these leaders brings a unique set of skills and an unwavering dedication to our division, and I am confident they will have an immediate and positive impact on their respective schools.”
Garst is back in an administrative role after a brief return to the classroom for the past two years. He is a Salem native and Salem High School graduate who has served as both an assistant principal and principal for Salem City Schools. In 2022, Garst was named Virginia’s Secondary Schools Principal of the Year for his work at Andrew Lewis Middle.
“I am thankful I was able to spend the past two years teaching and coaching our young people,” said Garst. “These experiences allowed me to regain my perspective as an educator and focus on the future. I love Salem High School and I’m thankful for the opportunity to once again serve the Salem community as a leader.”
Garst earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry in 2003 from Virginia Tech and later acquired two master’s degrees in biochemistry and curriculum and instruction from Virginia Tech. He also has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Radford University. He began his teaching career in 2008 in a chemistry classroom at his alma mater, Salem High School.
“Jamie’s deep connection to our community and his proven leadership make him an exceptional fit for Salem High School,” said Hicks. “We are thrilled to have him return to our administrative team.”
Mitchem is also stepping back into an administrative role after three years as a teacher at East Salem. She will join Principal Matt Coe’s staff at Andrew Lewis Middle School as an assistant principal. She has 10 years of administrative experience, including seven years as a principal in Roanoke City Public Schools.
“I am honored to join the Andrew Lewis Middle School community, and I look forward to partnering with students, staff, and families to foster a safe, engaging, and empowering learning environment where every student can thrive,” said Mitchem. “I’m especially excited to reconnect with many of the families I had the pleasure of working with at East Salem Elementary. I will always be grateful for my time there and the lasting relationships that helped shape who I am as an educator and leader.”
Mitchem has a bachelor’s degree from Concord University and a master’s degree in teaching from Hollins University. In addition, she has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Radford University. She began her teaching career at Roanoke’s Virginia Heights Elementary and after five years there as a fifth-grade teacher, she became the dean of instruction at Lincoln Terrace Elementary. In 2015, she moved to Fallon Park Elementary to become an assistant principal, and from 2016-22 she served as Fallon Park’s principal.
“She is a thoughtful, student-centered leader who knows how to support teachers and help students thrive and we are excited to welcome her to Andrew Lewis,” said Hicks. “Her familiarity with our reading curriculum and the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act will serve her well as these programs begin to take root and expand into the middle school environment.”
At East Salem Elementary School, Marcee McMillan is set to join the front office staff and complete the brand-new leadership team that includes recently named Principal Kenya Motley.
“It is a true privilege and honor to be able to give back to the community that gave so much to me, and I’m looking forward to working alongside the teachers, students, and the families at East Salem,” said McMillan. “Teaching has shown me the powers of patience and empathy as well as the importance of cultivating relationships and believing in every child’s potential, and I am excited to begin this new journey.”
McMillan has a bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College and a master’s degree in teaching from Hollins University. She will complete requirements for her Educational Leadership certificate later this summer from James Madison University. She began her teaching career at Roanoke’s Westside Elementary and since 2017 she has been a valued faculty member at G.W. Carver Elementary. She was voted as the school’s teacher of the year in 2024.
“Marcee McMillan is another proud Salem graduate, and her appointment as assistant principal at East Salem Elementary is a great reflection of our homegrown talent,” Hicks noted. “She has a strong understanding of curriculum and instruction, including the Virginia Literacy Act and the science of reading. Her knowledge and the relationships she has built will be incredible assets to our students, staff, and families at East Salem.”
McMillan is taking over for Christina Rose, who is moving to the central office. Rose is replacing the retiring Dr. Elizabeth Arthur as the division’s coordinator of student services. Mitchem is stepping into Motley’s former position at Andrew Lewis Middle, and Garst is replacing Chris Wilkes, who is moving to Roanoke College to lead the Maroons regiment marching and spirit bands.
All three appointments were formally approved by the Salem School Board during last week’s meeting. They will take effect on July 1.
“This is an exciting time for the Salem City School Division,” Hicks concluded. “With leaders like Nikki, Jamie, and Marcee stepping into these important roles, our future is in excellent hands.”