About Dr. Kraftson

Dr. Jeff Kraftson is thrilled to be joining Warrior Nation as principal of Weddington High School! Dr. Kraftson currently resides in Stallings, NC with his wife, Emily, and his two teenage daughters. Dr. Kraftson is excited to be serving the Weddington community with his wife who has recently returned to the Weddington community to serve as the Principal of Weddington Elementary.

After growing up outside Washington, D.C., Dr. Kraftson moved to the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, IL where he graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Communications. Dr. Kraftson began his educational career as a teacher's assistant in an Exceptional Children's class in a suburban Chicago high school. After moving to the Charlotte area, Dr. Kraftson received his teaching certification, Masters in Special Education, and Principal's license from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  Dr. Kraftson earned his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University.

After spending six years as an Exceptional Children's teacher at Myers Park High School in CMS, Dr. Kraftson moved to UCPS where he has served in various administrative roles for over 10 years. In addition to serving in educational leadership roles at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, Dr. Kraftson also has experience serving in a leadership role at the community college level.

Dr. Kraftson is extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity and privilege to work with the Weddington High School staff, students and community to continue Weddington’s legacy of excellence.

Contact Dr. Kraftson

• Phone: 704-708-5530, ext. 1902
• Email: jeff.kraftson@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Menkin

Marni Menkin graduated from the University of South Florida with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. While in south Florida, she became ESOL certified (working with students whose native language is not English). She earned National Board Certification in 2002 and renewed in 2012. Mrs. Menkin collaborated with a team of National Board Certified teachers to develop and implement a workshop for the school system, Using Literacy to Teach Across the Content Areas. She had the opportunity to have a variety of experiences from teaching in a Title I school to serving at a science and technology magnet school before moving to North Carolina with her family in 2006.

Mrs. Menkin continued her career at Marvin Elementary where she won numerous classroom grants, began a multi-age education program, served as a county trainer for technology, science, and literacy, was named teacher of the year, and went on to become a top 10 finalist in UCPS. Mrs. Menkin earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Winthrop University in December of 2014.

In the Summer of 2015, she was named as an assistant principal at Marvin Ridge Middle School and served there for three years. Mrs. Menkin completed the Future Ready Leadership Program at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Mrs. Menkin joined the Weddington High School team in June of 2018 and is excited to help carry on the tradition of excellence and high standards that have been established at such a remarkable school.

In her spare time, Mrs. Menkin loves being with her family and taking trips to the beach. Mrs. Menkin is married to Jay Menkin, and they have two children, Josh and Kylie.

Contact Mrs. Menkin

• Phone: 704-296-6319, ext. 1982
• Email: marni.menkin@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Smith

Mrs. Smith is excited to be joining Weddington High School! Mrs. Smith currently resides in Wingate, NC with her husband, Cory, and her three-year-old son, Bryson. 

Mrs. Smith is a native of Union County and a graduate of Forest Hills High School. She has worked in UCPS for 8 years. She obtained her Bachelors of Science in K-12 Health & Physical Education from Wingate University in May of 2013 and began her educational career as a teacher at Forest Hills High School. After teaching for five years, she was ready for a change and eager to earn her administrative license. She then went on to earn her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Queens University of Charlotte in May of 2018. 

Before moving into administration, Mrs. Smith served in the testing coordinator role, lead an instructional support team, and served in various other administrative roles. She also coached Women’s Tennis and Softball during her time as a teacher. 

In the Summer of 2021, she was named as an Assistant Principal of Weddington High School and will be starting her first year. 

Mrs. Smith is honored to be serving in this role and excited to work with the students, staff, and parents of Weddington High School. Go Warriors!

Contact Mrs. Smith

• Phone: 704-296-6319, ext. 1908
• Email: alanna.smith@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mr. Grexa

Mr. Grexa graduated from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education. Upon graduating from college, Mr. Grexa taught 8th Grade Social Studies at Blue Mountain Middle School in Montrose, New York.  While teaching in New York, Mr. Grexa received his Masters in Instructional Technology from New York Institute of Technology. After moving to Union County in 2004, Mr. Grexa first taught 7th grade Social Studies at James Martin Middle School in Charlotte. He then moved to Forest Hills High School where he taught US and World History. In the spring of 2007, Mr. Grexa was appointed assistant principal at Sun Valley Middle School, where he remained until his current reassignment to Weddington High School. During his tenure at Sun Valley Middle School, Mr. Grexa attended Wingate University and completed his add-on licensure in School Administration.

Throughout his career, Mr. Grexa has combined classroom instruction with extra-curricular activities. He has coached football, lacrosse, volleyball, basketball, and wrestling at both the middle school and high school levels. He has also acted as Student Council advisor at Blue Mountain Middle School and Forest Hills High School.

 Mr. Grexa resides in Wesley Chapel with his wife Donna, a school counselor at Sun Valley High School and his two daughters, Jackie and Dani, who are Weddington High School alumni. In his spare time, Mr. Grexa enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, kayaking, working around the house, tinkering with cars, and reading a good book.

Mr.Grexa is honored to be selected to continue his career in Union County, particularly at Weddington High School. More importantly, he is excited to work with the students, staff and parents of Weddington High School in order to continue its tradition of excellence and leadership in Union County and across the state of North Carolina.

Contact Mr. Grexa

• Phone: 704-296-6319, ext. 1993
• Email: john.grexa@ucps.k12.nc.us