Bandys High

Dr. Chad Maynor, Principal

Experience

I began my administrative career as an elementary school assistant principal at Bethlehem Elementary School in 2006, serving in that role for three years before being named principal in 2009. During my three-year tenure as principal, the school was recognized as an Honor School of Excellence—the highest designation awarded to North Carolina elementary schools at that time—for two years and as a School of Distinction for one year.

Prior to moving to Bandys High School, I served as Principal of West Alexander Middle School from 2012 to 2019. During my tenure, the school Exceeded Expected Growth in five of the six years, and Met Expected Growth once. West Alexander Middle School was also named a National School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform—an honor awarded to fewer than 50 North Carolina middle schools over the past fifteen years. Additionally, during the final three years of my tenure, the school was recognized as a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Exemplar School, the highest level of recognition awarded by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Throughout my administrative career in Alexander County, I was named ACS Principal of the Year on three separate occasions. I was also recognized by the ACS Educational Office Professionals as Administrator of the Year and by the North Carolina Educational Office Professionals as Regional Administrator of the Year.

Since beginning my tenure at Bandys High School in 2019, I was recognized as CCS Administrator of the Month in November 2019, only four months into my role as principal. I was later named CCS Principal of the Year for 2023–2024. During my tenure at Bandys High School, the school has Exceeded Expected Growth in every year the state has reported growth scores. In most of those years, Bandys High School has ranked among the top 5% of schools statewide.

In closing, I have been fortunate to serve as principal at three outstanding schools throughout my administrative career. In my current role at Bandys High School, I am privileged to serve remarkable students, work alongside an exceptional staff of educators who consistently put students first, and partner with a community that truly values education. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Principal of Bandys High School.

Education

• B.S. in Criminal Justice, Appalachian State University
• M.A. in School Counseling, Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Western Carolina University
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Western Carolina University

Dr. Leslie McIntosh, Assistant Principal

Experience
I began my career at Bandys High School as an English teacher in 1998 after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I obtained my National Boards in 2002 and renewed in 2012. In my 22 year tenure as a teacher at Bandys, I have worn many hats. I served as department chair of English for 12 years, coached girl’s basketball and softball, served as the graduation coordinator for the last 15 years, and have been a full-time and substitute bus driver. I was the yearbook adviser for the last 11 years. I was selected as the Bandys High School Teacher of Year in 2001 and again in 2019. In addition, I was nominated by the school administration as the National Life Group Life Changer of the Year in 2019-2020.

Education

• BA English, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• M.Ed. Curriculum and Supervision, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Western Carolina University

Mr. Brandon Harbinson, Assistant Principal / Athletic Director

Experience
I began my career in public education in 2008 with Catawba County Schools. After graduating from Appalachian State University, I was a Teacher’s Assistant at St. Stephens Elementary for 1 year and a Teacher’s Assistant at Banoak Elementary for 1 year. For the next 4 years, I was a PE Teacher/Athletic Director and coached Baseball at Arndt Middle School. Currently, I am starting my 11th year as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Bandys High School. My background is primarily Athletics, as I have coached baseball at Maiden HS, Avery County HS, American Legion Post 48, and Arndt Middle School. I love athletics and fitness. It is truly my passion and my purpose!

Education

• Health/Physical Education, Appalachian State University
• MA in Executive Leadership Studies, Gardner Webb University