School Leadership

Dr. Leslie Sigmon McIntosh, Principal

Experience
I have been at Bandys High my entire 28 year career in education. I began 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 and 2022. In my 22 year tenure as a teacher at Bandys, I wore many hats. I served as department chair of English for 12 years, coached women’s basketball and softball, served as the graduation coordinator for 15 years, and have been a full-time and substitute bus driver. I was the yearbook adviser for 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. 

In 2020, I transitioned into the role of assistant principal, where I served for 6 years before being named principal in 2026. As an AP, I was responsible for buses, IEPs, 504s, and assisted with curriculum needs among other things. In 2025, I was selected as Catawba County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year and was selected CCS Administrator of the Month in September, 2024.  

Education

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

Ms. Nicki Brittain, Assistant Principal

Experience

Mrs. Brittain is a proud graduate of BHS and has served as a math teacher for the last 12 years. During this time, Mrs. Brittain served our students and school community in a variety of roles, including JV and Varsity Women's Basketball Coach, Student Government Association Adviser, Beginning Teacher Mentor, and Math Department Chair. After graduating from Bandys, Mrs. Brittain attended North Carolina State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education and later a Master’s from NCSU in STEM Education. Throughout her career, she has received several professional honors, including being named the Catawba County Schools Beginning Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2015, the Catawba County Schools NCCTM Outstanding Secondary Mathematics Teacher Award in 2020-2021, and the Bandys High School Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024.

In addition to her work at Bandys, Mrs. Brittain is actively involved with the Hearts & Hope Foundation, an organization that is especially close to her heart. The foundation's mission of supporting children and families in need throughout our community aligns with her passion for serving others.

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