Brunswick County Schools names new principals at Town Creek Elementary and Southport Elementary

BOLIVIA, N.C. — Brunswick County Schools has named two experienced educators to serve as principals for the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Nicole LaBarre will serve as the new principal of Town Creek Elementary School, and Jodie Pender will serve as the new principal of Southport Elementary School.

LaBarre brings more than 20 years of experience in education to Brunswick County Schools. She currently serves as principal of an elementary school in Pennsylvania’s Northeast Bradford School District and holds an Ed.D. from Binghamton University. LaBarre began her teaching career in North Carolina and is returning to the state to lead Town Creek Elementary.

Dr. LaBarre

Pender is a veteran Brunswick County Schools educator who has served the district for nearly two decades. Her experience includes roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal. She was named Brunswick County Schools’ 2024-25 Assistant
Principal of the Year and most recently served as assistant principal at Bolivia Elementary School.

Jodie Pender

Superintendent Dale Cole said both leaders bring a strong focus on students, staff and school community.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. LaBarre to Brunswick County Schools and to see Jodie Pender step into this new leadership role,” Cole said. “Both are student-centered leaders who are passionate about building strong relationships, supporting staff and helping students succeed.”

Brunswick County Schools also thanks Peg Bourne and Tracy Coston for their dedicated service to the district and the school communities they have helped lead.

LaBarre and Pender will begin their new leadership roles for the 2026-27 school year.