Principal

I attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, graduating with a degree in elementary education (2000). I received my Master’s in School Administration from North Carolina State University. I taught 4th and 5th grades for 7 years and served as an assistant principal for 9 years. This will be my 6th year as principal, and 23rd overall in education. I am married to Meagan Parrish, who is also an educator. I am a father of four children, ages 7,8,14, and 17. I believe all students can learn. Our job as educators is to help students develop into the absolute best version of themselves. I agree with Marva Collins who said, “There is a brilliant child locked inside each student.”  I am dedicated to offering students engaging learning experiences that promote independence, foster a love of learning, and help prepare students for the future. As principal of Four Oaks Elementary, my mission is to make our school the best it can possibly be.

Assistant Principal

I attended FOES K-5, FOMS 6-8, and SJHS 9-12. I am proud to be a homegrown educator here at FOES. I attended Mount Olive College, graduating with a BS in Psychology and a minor in History and Criminal Justice. I received my teaching certificate and Master’s in Elementary Education from Campbell University. I attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to obtain my license in School Administration. I taught Kindergarten for 11 years and 3rd grade for half a year.  I coached high school softball for 6 years. I have been honored to serve as an assistant principal at FOES for the last 10 years for a total of 21 years in education.  I am married to Gabe Norris and have two beautiful boys, Cole and Toby, ages 5 and 15.  The students of this school and the community are our future and our future is bright.  I firmly believe in and live by the motto handed down to me by former administrators, "Faith, Family, Four Oaks". 

Assistant Principal

I am Megan Barnes and I am honored to serve as one of the assistant principals at Four Oaks Elementary! I am the product of our school district, graduating from Smithfield-Selma High School in 2001. I have been married for 19 years and have two children in the SJHS feeder pattern. I love animals, the beach, spending time with my family, and cheesecake! 

I earned my BS in Elementary Education, Master's in Special Education and Master's in School Administration from East Carolina University. Go Pirates! Prior to becoming an Assistant Principal at FOES, I served JCPS in the following capacities: 3rd grade teacher, 5th grade teacher, IB (International Baccalaureate) Coordinator and Curriculum Coach.  My ultimate goal in life is to help others be the best they can be. I am happiest when I am serving others. Four Oaks is a wonderful community school, with great students and staff. Feel free to stop by, call, or send me an e-mail if there is anything I can do for you.