jennydurko@johnston.k12.nc.us

Hello! My name is Jenny Durko and I have been a proud Johnston County resident for 24 years. I am originally from Dayton, Ohio where I attended Wright State University and received my BS in Elementary Education. I received my Masters in School Administration at East Carolina University. I taught for one year in Ohio, then I moved to Clayton in 2001. I began teaching in the Johnston County Public School system at Smithfield Elementary and West Smithfield Elementary, where I taught 3rd grade and 1st grade. I was then a 1st grade teacher here at River Dell for 6 years.

I have two amazing sons, Hayden and Jonah. Hayden is 21 years old and Jonah is 18 years old.

I love reading books, spending time with my family and friends, spending time at the beach, and I also love to cook. Our family enjoys traveling, watching movies together, spending time with our dog, Lucy, and our two cats, Percy and Meera, and we really love family game nights.

This will be my 15th year as a River Dell Racer, and I could not be happier to be a part of the River Dell family. I am passionate about creating the very best environment for our students to learn. River Dell students are treated as unique individuals, and they are encouraged to do their best and be their best in all that they do. Our RDE teachers are top notch educators, and lifelong learners, and I am excited to support and empower them in their creative and innovative endeavors. I have been blessed to call River Dell home, and to have made so many wonderful connections with the families and community here. GO RACERS!!

tandramapp@johnston.k12.nc.us

I am proud to serve as the assistant principal at River Dell Elementary, where I have been part of the school community since 2017. With over 30 years of experience in education, I am excited to continue supporting our students, staff, and families this school year.

I earned both my Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in School Education and Curriculum Specialist from East Carolina University—Go Pirates! My career began in Pitt County, where I taught third grade. Encouraged by classmates in my graduate program, I applied for and was awarded the North Carolina Principal Fellowship. Through this opportunity, I completed my principal internship in Johnston County under the guidance of Mrs. Joyce Wade and have remained in school administration here ever since.

Outside of school, I am an active member of Jackson Chapel First Missionary Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina. I serve in various roles including Trustee, Chairperson of the Finance Team and Women In Christ Ministry, Pastor’s Aide Ministry, and as a choir member.

I have been married to my husband, Robert, for 26 years. We are blessed with two sons—Trebor (20) and Brennen (17). In my free time, I enjoy making memories with my family and friends.

lauriefarmer@johnston.k12.nc.us

Hello! My name is Laurie Farmer, and I’m thrilled to serve as Assistant Principal at River Dell Elementary. I’ve been an educator for 21 years, spending most of that time as a high school English teacher before transitioning into school leadership. I have a BA in English, an MAT in Teaching, and most recently, I earned my Master’s in School Administration from NC State University.  I am a product of Johnston County Public Schools and I am proud to call Johnston County my home.

I completed my administrative internship at River Dell and quickly fell in love with the people—students, staff, and families alike. I have a deep passion for supporting both students and teachers. I believe that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and challenged, and I’m committed to helping create an environment where all students can thrive academically and emotionally.

Outside of school, I love reading, traveling (especially to our beautiful NC mountains), and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy writing and finding the humor in everyday life. Laughter is essential in education! At home, I’m kept company by two very spoiled pets: my dogs Hobbes and Hazel May, as well as my husband, Cameron, who is my biggest supporter and best friend. 

It is a joy and privilege to be part of the River Dell family. I am inspired daily by the dedication of our staff, the energy of our students, and the strength of our school community. GO RACERS!