FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2025
Hyde County, NC – Hyde County Schools is excited to announce two key leadership transitions that reflect the district’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and student-centered support. Mrs. Allison Etheridge, current principal of Mattamuskeet School, will transition to the role of Exceptional Children's Director & Special Programs Coordinator, effective June 1, 2025. Mrs. Kristy Marslender, current Dean of Students at Hyde Academy, has been named the new Spark Lab Leader, effective July 1, 2025.
Allison Etheridge Named Exceptional Children's Director & Special Programs Coordinator
Mrs. Allison Etheridge, with over two decades of service in education and 11 years in school leadership, will take on a critical districtwide leadership role overseeing Exceptional Children’s Services and Special Programs. Her new responsibilities will include coordinating services for students with disabilities, leading Hyde County’s AIG programming, and supporting instruction for all students across all schools.
“Mrs. Etheridge has been a consistent and compassionate leader at Mattamuskeet,” said Dr. Melanie Shaver, Superintendent at Hyde County Schools. “Her deep understanding of our community and unwavering dedication to education make her the ideal choice to lead this important work.”
Etheridge expressed enthusiasm for the new role: “Supporting our students through exceptional children's services and special programs is not just a responsibility, it's a passion. I look forward to working alongside families and educators to ensure every child in Hyde County has the resources and support they need to thrive.”
Kristy Marslender to Lead Innovation as Spark Lab Leader
Mrs. Marslender, a dedicated educator, brings her energy and experience to the newly established Spark Lab for Hyde County Schools. The Spark Lab is an immersive learning space inspired by the SparkNC and through a grant from the Leon Levine Foundation. In this role, she will guide students through challenge-based learning units in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, game development, and data science.
The Spark Lab fosters personalized, student-driven exploration of emerging technologies. Through collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving, students will gain exposure to pathways that align with their passions and future careers. Students on Ocracoke or Mattamuskeet can register for the Spark Lab courses for the fall of 2025.
“Kristy Marslender’s leadership and creativity make her an exceptional fit for this new chapter,” said Dr. Shaver. “Her transition into the Spark Lab Leader role reinforces our vision of preparing students not just for graduation, but for a rapidly evolving world.”
These leadership transitions reflect Hyde County Schools’ strategic focus on expanding opportunities for students while ensuring student success and ensuring support at every level.
The principal vacancy at Mattamuskeet School and the vacancy for Hyde Academy Dean can be found at https://www.hyde.k12.nc.us/page/employment-opportunities.
For more information contact:
Julio Morales
jmorales@hyde.k12.nc.us
(252) 926-3281
www.hyde.k12.nc.us