About Mrs. Rodden

Ms. Rodden was named principal of New Salem Elementary in July 2025. She is in her 14th year as a school administrator and loves working with students, teachers, and parents.

Ms. Rodden obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from Western Carolina University in 2001. She obtained her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Wingate University in 2010.

Prior to becoming an administrator, Ms. Rodden taught sixth-grade math for two years before obtaining her license in special education. She then taught special education for eight years at both the middle school and elementary school levels. Ms. Rodden lives in Union County with her husband and two daughters.

Contact Ms. Rodden

• Email: keitha.rodden@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Ms. Plyler

My name is Kerry Plyler and I am the new Assistant Principal at New Salem Elementary.  I have already felt so welcome here, and I cannot wait to get to know the students, families, and community even more.  I am a Union County native and attended Prospect Elementary, Parkwood Middle, and Parkwood High School.  My husband (James) and I met in the 6^th grade at Parkwood Middle!  We have 2 children, Marley (10) and Fin (8), and the BEST dog in the world, Blue (11).

I graduated from the University of North Carolina–Wilmington with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I went on to earn my Master’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in School Administration, both from the University of North Carolina–Charlotte. I began my career with UCPS in 2008 as a Teacher Assistant at Sun Valley Elementary School (now, Shiloh Valley Primary School).  I went on to become a teacher and taught 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade at Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts. The last two years, I was an Assistant Principal at East Elementary School.  I am looking forward to a great school year! Go Knights!

Contact Ms. Plyler

• Email: kerry.plyler@ucps.k12.nc.us

• Dr. Candice Boatright
• 704-296-3062, ext. 4073

• Principal: Kristen Sides
• Representative: Natasha Higgins