Meet Our School Leaders
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Dr. Michael Harvey (Principal)
About Dr. Harvey
Dr. Michael Harvey began his career as an administrator at Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts where he served three years as an Assistant Principal then he transitioned into the role of principal for six years. In September 2011, he accepted the position as Principal of Monroe Middle School then in 2015 he welcomed the role as Principal at Monroe High School. Since the 2018-2019 school year, he has served as the principal of Sun Valley High school. He has worked in the Monroe community for 22 years as an educator and administrator. He is passionate about working with the students, teachers and with the community of Monroe.
Dr. Harvey graduated with a B.S.E. in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland, a MA in Educational Leadership from Winthrop University, and his Ed. D from Wingate University in August of 2011. He has spoken at various conferences locally and across the state of North Carolina. In his tenure at Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts, he was able to accomplish some of the highest growth scores in the county. At Benton Heights, he raised the school's composite score 13 percent. At Monroe Middle, Dr. Harvey has improved the growth composite from -9 to a positive 10. In addition, in the two years that he was the Principal at Monroe High, the overall school grade rose from a D to a C. Dr. Harvey believes that students should have exposure to enriching academic opportunities that engage and excite students. The three E's will lead students, teachers and the community to the fourth "E"-Excellence!
Family: Wife Diann Harvey, married 19 years. Son-Nicholas, 17 years old, 12th grade at Sun Valley High, Daughter – Olivia, 16 years old 11th Grade at Sun Valley High, William seven years old, second grade at Shiloh Valley Primary School.
Years in Education: 22 years
Philosophy of Education: Enrich, Engage, Excite, Excel
Education: BSE – SUNY Cortland, MSA – Winthrop University, Ed. D. – Wingate University
How do you build rapport with students? I build rapport by building trust through open and honest communication. I also believe in following through with what you say you are going to do and validating students' thoughts and ideas, speaking with them about things beyond the school day, and showing up to their games, dance recitals and band competitions.
Work History: 22 years in UCPS, five years as a physical education teacher at Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts, three years as the assistant principal at Benton Heights, six years as principal of Benton Heights, four years as principal at Monroe Middle School, two years as Principal of Monroe High School, and since 2018, principal of Sun Valley High School.
Favorite Movie: Hoosiers
Favorite Restaurant: Hobbies/Interests: Harvey's Backyard Grill, Buffalo sports teams, Carolina Panthers, playing golf, traveling and spending quality time with family. Unknown fact: hat collection
Favorite Quotation: “If you don’t think every day is a great day…try missing one”
Most Recent Book: In the Company of Heroes by Michael J. Durant
Contact Dr. Harvey
- Phone: 704-296-3020
- Email: michael.harvey@ucps.k12.nc.us
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LaKeshia Leaks (Assistant Principal)
Contact Ms. Leaks
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Dareion Malone (Assistant Principal)
About Mr. Malone
Dareion Malone became an educator in 2013 after leaving a career in corporate America. Dareion has served as a chorus director at Hopewell High School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, UNC Charlotte, and Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Union County Public Schools for 2020-2021, and has been an assistant principal at Sun Valley since 2021.
Dareion, born in Byhalia, MS, has been singing and playing piano since early childhood. He received the Bachelor of Music Education and Master of School Administration from UNC Charlotte. He also holds the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Contact Mr. Malone
- Phone: 704-296-3020
- Email: dareion.malone@ucps.k12.nc.us
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Melissa Washington (Assistant Principal)
Contact Ms. Washington
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School Performance Director
- Dr. Bashawn Harris
- 704-296-0824, ext. 4031
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Professional Advisory Council Representatives
- Principal: Dr. Mike Harvey
- Representative: Amy Ellis