FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. Mark Tracy steps down, Jackson and Villegas to lead Kestrel Heights as Interim Executive and Middle School Directors
Durham, NC Dr. Mark Tracy, Executive Director and Middle School Director of Kestrel Heights Charter School, has resigned effective October 31, 2021. In a meeting with the school’s administrative, teaching and support staff, Tracy cited family needs as his motivation for stepping away after seven years at Kestrel Heights.
Effective October 4, 2021, Tracy will begin transitioning leadership to Ms. Tonya Jackson and Ms. Samantha Villegas. Jackson will assume the interim Executive Director position, while Villegas will lead as the Middle School Director. Jackson currently serves as the school’s Senior Director of Federal Programs and Exceptional Children Program and Ms. Villegas is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
Jackson has worked for Kestrel Heights for almost five years. Prior to joining the Kestrel she served for over 16 years in Danville Public Schools in Danville, VA. In her time with the district, Jackson held a number of roles, including administrator of middle & secondary special education instruction and Principal of G.L.H. Johnson Elementary School.
Villegas joined Kestrel in 2011 and has served there as a teacher, assistant principal, and an instructional coach. Prior to joining Kestrel she worked in Lenoir County Public Schools as a teacher and onsite coordinator for the Able to Succeed Program.
The Kestrel Heights board of directors expects to begin preparing for searches and permanent hires for both positions in the first quarter of 2022.
Please direct inquiries to board@kestrelheights.org.
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Kestrel Heights Charter School is a small, diverse, and inclusive learning community that empowers our Scholars to sharpen academic knowledge, demonstrate creative expression, and expand leadership abilities.