About Parkwood High
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Meet Our School Leaders
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Dr. Tracy Strickland (Principal)
About Dr. Strickland
Dr. Strickland is honored to serve as principal of Parkwood High School, bringing over 32 years of experience in public education across South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina. From 2005 to 2-10, she taught Spanish at Parkwood High – never imagining that one day she would return to lead the school she dearly loved. After leaving Parkwood, she advanced into administration with Union County Public Schools, serving as an assistant principal at various schools, four years as principal at Piedmont Middle School, and two years as Director of Student Support. For Dr. Strickland, returning to Parkwood High truly feels like “coming home.”
The daughter of missionaries and wife of a minister, Dr. Strickland has lived a life rich in diverse experiences. She grew up in Costa Rica and Venezuela, and since marrying her husband, Steve, has lived and taught in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Charleston Southern University, her Master of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and her Doctorate from Liberty University.
Dr. Strickland and her husband, Steve, have been married over 30 years. Steve serves as Middle School Pastor at Indian Trail First Baptist Church. They are proud parents of two sons: Vassar, who serves in the United States Army National Guard and is married to MacKenzie, an assistant principal in Alamance County; and Mathis, a graduate of Appalachian State University who now works in Charlotte. Vassar and MacKenzie have a young son, Roran, who brings great joy to the entire family.
Outside of school, Dr. Strickland enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and exploring new places, running, and reading. She is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming, challenging, and supportive environment where every member of the Parkwood Wolf Pack can thrive.
Contact Dr. Strickland
- Phone: 704-296-0154, ext. 3301
- Email: tracy.strickland@ucps.k12.nc.us
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Aaron Mayes (Assistant Principal)
About Mr. Mayes
Mr. Mayes graduated from Parkwood High School in 1998. Growing up as a missionary kid, he lived in Michigan, California, Papua New Guinea, and North Carolina. He began teaching as an art teacher at Vance High School and Cuthbertson High School prior to joining the Parkwood High School administration team in 2021. While at Vance High School, Mr. Mayes coached football, softball, and baseball.
Mr. Mayes’ educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree from Taylor University in Art Education, a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Appalachian State University, National Board Certification and Re-Certification, and is AP certified by the College Board. In his free time, he loves cheering for his Cleveland Browns, Michigan Wolverines, and Detroit Tigers. He also enjoys watching his son play baseball, playing board games, and working on their small hobby farm.
Mr. Mayes strives to see students and staff members maximize their potential and enjoyment in life through purposeful work and service towards others. He believes that the foundation for a successful school is meaningful relationships.
Contact Mr. Mayes
- Phone: 704-764-2900
- Email: aaron.mayes@ucps.k12.nc.us
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Ashley Klepfer (Assistant Principal)
About Mrs. Klepfer
Mrs. Klepfer is honored to continue serving the Parkwood Cluster as an Assistant Principal at Parkwood High School. She began her career in UCPS at Western Union Elementary, where she built strong, lasting relationships with students, families, colleagues, and the community. Over the past eleven years, she has taught and served in administrative roles across all K–12 levels in both public and charter school settings, while also coaching soccer and volleyball during her charter school tenure.
Mrs. Klepfer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Wellness Education with a K–6 General Education add-on from Lee University, as well as a Master’s Degree in School Administration and Supervision from Liberty University.
Outside of school, Mrs. Klepfer enjoys a full and active life with her husband, Sawyer, whom she married in 2021. Together, they share three beloved fur babies—Stanley James, Beckett Grace, and Maizie Leigh—and love exploring new places and traveling as a family. She is an avid hockey and football fan, enjoys running, spending time with family, and embracing life’s moments.
Driven by a deep commitment to students, Mrs. Klepfer strives to cultivate a positive, supportive learning environment that inspires curiosity, fosters responsibility, and encourages students to take ownership of their growth. She believes that strong relationships and intentional engagement are the foundation for student success and community unity.
Contact Mrs. Klepfer
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Eldridge Moore III (Assistant Principal)
About Mr. Moore
Mr. Moore came to Parkwood from Porter Ridge High School where he worked as an Assistant Principal. He has a long history in education; having been a teacher for seven years, an assistant principal for five years, an elementary principal for two years and a high school principal for three years. His duties here include teacher observations and being responsible for buses/bus drivers, custodians, sub-plans, movie approvals, facilities, teacher syllabi, and student discipline. His educational philosophy is that "Every child can learn."
His educational background includes an undergraduate degree from Niagara University in 1989, a masters's degree in special education from Nazareth College in 1997 and a master's degree in educational administration from Canisius College in 2001. He played college basketball at Niagara and professional basketball in Holland. He has two children, a son and a daughter, and lives in Indian Trail.
Mr. Moore's goal for Parkwood: "To become one of the best schools in Union County and the state."
Contact Mr. Moore
- Phone: 704-764-2900
- Email: eldridge.moore@ucps.k12.nc.us
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School Performance Director
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Professional Advisory Council Representatives
- Principal: Dr. Tracy Strickland
- Representative: Jesse Boyce