About Dr. Houlihan

Dr. Andrew G. Houlihan was named superintendent by the UCPS Board of Education on July 26, 2016, chosen for his leadership, experience and dedication to students. Before joining UCPS, Dr. Houlihan was chief academic officer for the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

Dr. Houlihan’s goal for UCPS is to ensure that all students are producing at the highest level and are being prepared for a quality life and career beyond high school.

His vision for UCPS is to be the best school system in the state and nation.

Dr. Houlihan, an advocate of teamwork, feels the “collective group” can accomplish goals much better than someone in isolation.

 He encourages educators to strive toward continual growth and learning, as he believes there is a need for continuous improvement.

Dr. Houlihan’s career in public education began as an elementary school teacher in Wake County 15 years ago. He has served as an elementary school principal (2010-2012) and school support officer (2012-2013) for Houston Independent School District and held other administrative positions in the Austin Independent School District (2007-2010).

He held several cabinet-level positions for HISD, including chief human resources officer, chief school support officer and chief school officer for major projects. 

Dr. Houlihan earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Elon University in North Carolina, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He earned a master’s degree in organization and leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College (2006) and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010. 

In March 2019, the National School Public Relations Association named Dr. Houlihan a Superintendent to Watch.  He was one of 14 superintendents nationwide and the only North Carolina school system leader to earn the award in 2019. The award winners have less than five years of experience as a superintendent and have demonstrated engagement through a variety of strategies, used new communication technology tools and expanded two-way communication and outreach efforts. 

Contact Dr. Houlihan

• Phone: 704-296-0766
  Fax: 704-282-2171
  Email: andrew.houlihan@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Morris

Michele Morris joined UCPS in January 2008 as General Counsel after serving for more than seven years as Associate General Counsel with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Prior to that, she represented children to ensure that their needs have been met in academic settings.

She has also worked as an adjunct professor at Wingate University in their School of Adult and Graduate Education, a position that began in the summer of 2006 and continued through the Spring of 2013. In addition to working as an adjunct professor at Wingate University, Michele has worked in the same capacity at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Michele is active in both the North Carolina Council of School Attorneys and the Education Law Section of the Bar Association, having held positions including Chair, Vice Chair, and currently the Executive Committee in both organizations. Michele has also presented at numerous conferences at the local, state and national level. 

• JD (Juris Doctorate) from SUNY at Buffalo, School of Law (1990)
• BA in Psychology from Smith College (1987)

Contact Mrs. Morris

• Phone: 704-296-5177
• Fax: 704-282-2171
• Email: michele.morris@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. McLamb

Shanna McLamb is the Chief Finance Officer for Union County Public Schools. She has over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance with the majority of that time spent with Union County Public Schools. Prior to being named Chief Finance Officer for UCPS, she was the CFO for Stanly County Schools.

Shanna is active in the North Carolina Association of School Business Officials and has served as state district representative. In February 2012 she obtained a certification as a Certified School Business Manager. She has also presented on numerous school business topics at local and state conferences.

Shanna is a native of Union County and a graduate of Piedmont High School. She received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Western Carolina University.

Contact Mrs. McLamb

• Phone: 704-296-5314, ext. 4117
• Email: shanna.mclamb@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Ms. Stalberte

Tahira Stalberte is the Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Community Relations for Union County Public Schools. She has 20 years of experience in communications and public relations and has worked in several of the largest school districts in North Carolina. Stalberte earned the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation in 2019.

She is a native of New Orleans, LA and started her career as a Promotions Producer and Public Affairs Assistant with WDSU-TV (December of 1996 to July 2002).

She then worked as a video production manager with Guilford County Schools (July 2002 to May of 2006).

As the Chief Communications Officer in Durham Public Schools (2010 to 2011), she organized community events to showcase student and staff achievements and directed all internal and external communications -- web, television, marketing, media relations and community relations.

Before coming to UCPS in June 2014, Tahira was the Executive Director of Communications with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools where she led media relations, crisis communication efforts and advised executive leadership on key messages and strategies. She also created media opportunities to support students, staff and district programs and planned and executed district events, including the strategic plan launch and new school dedication programs.

She has extensive experience in video production, internal/external communications and crisis management. She has earned Blue Ribbon Awards from North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) for video production.

She served on the Board of Directors for NCSPRA and has been a presenter at a National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) conference.

She received her Bachelor's of Arts in degree in Mass Communications from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1996.

Contact Ms. Stalberte

• Phone: 704-296-5188
  Fax: 704-298-2457 
  Email: tahira.stalberte@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Dr. Harris

Dr. Harris was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Matthews, NC.  Following high school graduation from East Mecklenburg High School, he remained in the state and attended Livingstone College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 2003, Dr. Harris began his career serving as a special education teacher in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District. While teaching, he began his administrative preparation and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Gardner – Webb University along with his Principal’s Certification. After serving as the Assistant Principal for five years at Forest Hills High School in Union County NC, he accepted a position as Principal at Porter Ridge Middle School and Porter Ridge High School, where he served for several years. 

Dr. Harris earned his Doctorate of Educational Leadership degree from Wingate University in 2014. His research analyzed the effectiveness of technology in education.

Dr. Harris was contracted as a School Performance Officer in Union County School District in July of 2018 and has since recently been appointed as Superintendent of the Human Resources Department in July 2020. 

Contact Dr. Harris

• Phone: 704-296-9898
• Email: bashawn.harris@ucps.k12.nc.us

Contact

• Phone: 704-225-8420
• Fax: 704-282-2171

About Dr. Breedlove

As the Chief Academic Officer of Union County Public Schools, Dr. Brad Breedlove supports the superintendent and leads his team in overseeing all areas of teaching, learning, and school performance.  This includes school accountability, curriculum and instruction, federal programs, college and career readiness, exceptional children, and counseling services.

Prior to becoming the Chief Academic Officer in August 2018, Dr. Breedlove served in various leadership roles within Union County including Director of Secondary Education and Director of School Performance.

Prior to moving into these district-level leadership positions, Dr. Breedlove served as a high school principal for eight years at two Union County Public Schools: Monroe High School and Weddington High School. At both schools, he experienced great success with student achievement as measured by test scores and a high graduation rate, as well as athletics, visual and performing arts, and philanthropic endeavors. Dr. Breedlove attributes the success to great teamwork by the students, parents, faculty, and administration. He was recognized as North Carolina’s High School Principal of the Year in 2014.

Dr. Breedlove served for two years as Assistant Principal at Monroe High School. He also taught social studies for six years at Sun Valley High School. While a teacher at Sun Valley, he coached football, basketball, and track.

Dr. Breedlove’s education includes a B.A. in History from Duke University where he played football and ran track.  He received his Master's in Education from DePaul University, his Certificate of Educational Leadership from Winthrop University, and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from High Point University.

Contact Dr. Breedlove

• Phone: 704-296-1002
• Fax: 704-282-2171
• Email: william.breedlove@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mr. Parker

Jay Parker is the Chief Technology Officer for Union County Public Schools. He has over 19 years of technical management experience with one of the largest school districts in North Carolina.

Before coming to UCPS in May 2017, Jay was the Assistant Director of Technical Support and progressed to Director of Student Applications and Web development in Technology Services with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. He oversaw five student information system migrations, managed the development of a centralized data warehouse, and led in the design of many web applications, performance dashboards, and portals supporting student achievement across all grade levels.

He has years of experience providing cutting-edge technical solutions for innovative instruction. Jay has also has been part of several personalized learning teams that supported 21^st classroom technology requirements.

Jay is currently serving on the NC Department of Public Instruction steering committee that represents multiple school districts across the state. He also was selected by his peers to serve on the Change Control Board and User Advisory Panels that shape digital tools for students.  He is a member and active participant with Consortium of School Networks (CoSN).

Jay received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Chief Technology Officer Certification from UNC-Chapel Hill.

He is a resident of Union County, married and a father of three children.

Contact Mr. Parker

• Phone: 704-296-3143
• Fax: 704-296-3147
• Email: james.parker@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mr. McCraw

Jarrod McCraw is the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support for Union County Public Schools (UCPS). 

A graduate of Gardner Webb University, Jarrod joined UCPS in 2006 as the school district's Safety and Security Director. Prior to coming to UCPS, he was a Trooper and Troop Recruiter with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for nine years.

Jarrod is actively involved in the Union County community.  He serves on the Union County Jury Commission, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and Local Emergency Planning Committee.  He is also a past member of the North Carolina State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board, Union County Drug Court Foundation Board and Town of Wingate Board of Commissioners.

Jarrod and his wife Amber have three children, who all attend UCPS schools.

Contact Mr. McCraw

• Phone: 704-296-9850
• Email: jarrod.mccraw@ucps.k12.nc.us