Board also approves appointments of Kenya Shear and Monique Wells to assistant principal roles
The Lexington City Board of Education approved three administrative appointments during its June 29 special called meeting, welcoming experienced instructional leaders to new roles that will continue supporting student achievement across Lexington City Schools.
Dr. Judy Richards has been appointed principal of South Lexington School and Developmental Center. She returns to the school with more than 30 years of experience in public education and a distinguished record of instructional leadership, student achievement, and school improvement. Most recently, Dr. Richards served as principal of Pickett Elementary School and previously served as principal of South Lexington School and Developmental Center.
Throughout her career with Lexington City Schools, Dr. Richards has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. During her previous tenure at South Lexington, she led efforts that resulted in significant gains in student achievement, strengthened family engagement, and a positive school culture centered on high expectations for every student.
“Dr. Richards is an accomplished educator whose leadership has positively impacted schools across our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Ron Anthony. “She brings a wealth of experience, a passion for student success, and a deep understanding of the South Lexington community. We are excited to welcome her back to South Lexington School and Developmental Center and look forward to the continued growth and success of the school under her leadership.”
Dr. Richards said she is honored to return to South Lexington and continue serving the students, families, and staff who make the school community so special.
“I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place while working alongside our dedicated educators, supportive families, and community partners to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive,” said Dr. Richards.
In addition to Dr. Richards’ appointment, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Kenya Shear as assistant principal of South Lexington School and Developmental Center.
Shear most recently served as Lexington City Schools’ Exceptional Children Administrator, providing districtwide leadership, professional development, and instructional support to ensure high-quality services for students with disabilities. Her leadership experience spans elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as alternative learning and developmental education programs. She previously served as assistant principal at South Lexington School and Developmental Center, Lexington Senior High School, Pickett Elementary School, and Lexington Middle School.
A North Carolina Principal Fellows recipient, Shear earned an Education Specialist degree in Special Education from Walden University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at Walden University. Her continued studies reflect her dedication to equipping educators with the knowledge and strategies to better support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and behavioral needs. She is passionate about servant leadership and empowering students and staff to achieve excellence.
The Board also approved the appointment of Ms. Monique Wells as assistant principal of Charles England Elementary School.
Wells was named the 2026 Lexington City Schools Assistant Principal of the Year and brings a wealth of instructional leadership experience at both the elementary and secondary levels. Throughout her career, she has focused on teacher development, curriculum leadership, school improvement, and data-driven instruction. She most recently served as assistant principal supporting Pickett Elementary School, South Lexington School and Developmental Center, and Charles England Elementary School.
Prior to her current role, Wells served as assistant principal at Lexington Middle School, where she helped lead the school to exceed academic growth expectations. She also served as the district’s Lead Virtual Academy Coordinator and as a Master Teacher Leader, supporting instructional excellence across Lexington City Schools. Wells recently completed the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium Aspiring Principals Program and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Gardner-Webb University.
“Strong leadership is essential to creating learning environments where students and educators thrive,” said Dr. Anthony. “Dr. Richards, Ms. Shear, and Ms. Wells each bring unique strengths, valuable experience, and an unwavering commitment to serving students, families, and our school communities. We look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make across Lexington City Schools.”
Lexington City Schools congratulates Dr. Judy Richards, Ms. Kenya Shear, and Ms. Monique Wells on their new appointments and wishes them continued success as they lead and support students, staff, and families throughout the district.