The O’Neal School announced a new leadership structure for its lower school division, designed to enhance student support, strengthen communication, and foster academic excellence. Effective this school year, the lower school will be led by two dedicated division heads: Cassie Cloninger as the Head of the Primary Lower School Division, and Jeni Wiley as the Head of the Intermediate Lower School Division.
This reorganization reflects O’Neal’s commitment to providing focused attention and oversight for its largest division, which serves the most students and employs the most faculty, said the school in a media release. The new model introduces two distinct leadership roles: the Primary Division Head will oversee PreK3 through first grade, while the Intermediate Division Head will lead grades two through four. Both leaders will report directly to the Head of School and serve on the school’s leadership team.
Cassie Cloninger, a kindergarten teacher at O’Neal since 2019, brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She holds a Master of Arts in Literacy Education from Appalachian State University. In her new role, she will lead the Primary Division with a focus on nurturing foundational learning and social-emotional development.
“I’m thrilled to embrace my new role as Primary Head of the Lower School,” said Cloninger. “This exciting opportunity enables me to connect with more families, all while building lasting relationships, promoting exciting learning opportunities, and creating treasured memories for our students. There is so much to look forward to this year!”
Jeni Wiley joins The O’Neal School with more than 30 years of educational leadership and teaching experience. She has served as a principal and assistant principal in Moore County Schools since 2014 and holds a Master of Arts in School Administration from UNC-Pembroke. Wiley brings a wealth of knowledge in curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and student-centered leadership to her new role as Intermediate Division Head.
“I am so excited to join The O’Neal School family as the Intermediate Head of the Lower School,” said Wiley. “I look forward to enhancing O’Neal’s strong educational focus built on its tenets of excellence, pride, character, and community.”
Together, Cloninger and Wiley will lead the lower school in aligned, collaborative leadership.
“As the Heads of the Lower School, we are excited to join together in aligned leadership to foster a student-centered learning environment,” they shared in a joint statement. “We are committed to collaborating with our staff to support the continued growth of our school community. We look forward to building strong partnerships with our families to support each student’s development, well-being, and success.”
Head of School Dr. Dale McInnis shared their enthusiasm for the new structure:
“This new leadership model reflects our deep commitment to student success and faculty support. By appointing two experienced and passionate educators to lead our lower school, we are ensuring that every child receives the attention and care they deserve. I am confident that Cassie and Jeni will bring energy, innovation, and heart to their roles, and I look forward to the positive impact they will have on our community.”
Feature photo: (L-R) Cassie Cloninger, Primary Division Head of Lower School, and Jeni Wiley, Intermediate Division Head of Lower School.
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