KANNAPOLIS  —  Kannapolis Charter Academy has hired its founding principal, veteran educator Katrina Samuels.

Samuels has worked in the field of education for 14 years, serving students in a variety of leadership capacities. She began her career as an educator in New York City’s Department of Education where she implemented the teacher’s college reading and writing curriculum, Chicago’s Everyday Mathematics curriculum and NYCDOE’s science and social studies curriculum.

She has had extensive experience in the classroom and has held numerous leadership positions. She most recently served as founding assistant principal at Renaissance Charter School at West Palm Beach and is currently enrolled in Charter Schools USA’s Leading Edge program.

Samuels earned her bachelor of science degree in early childhood education, her master of arts in elementary education and post graduate course completions in supervision and administration from The City College of New York.

“We have witnessed Ms. Samuel’s leadership skill first-hand as she navigated through the opening of the first Charter Schools USA school in Palm Beach County, Florida,” said Sherry Hage, chief academic officer for Charter Schools USA. “We are confident that the entire Kannapolis Charter Academy family will grow and prosper under her leadership.”

Kannapolis Charter Academy is a proud member of Charter Schools USA. In the 2015-2016 school year, Charter Schools USA managed 76 schools in seven states and enrolled more than 60,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The organization’ says its advantages include advanced technology, meaningful parental involvement, student uniforms, consistent and fairly enforced discipline policies, highly qualified and motivated staff, community focus, integrated character education and high academic growth and performance.

Kannapolis Charter Academy is governed by the North Carolina Charter Educational Foundation which consists of local community leaders Barbra Bryan, Talitha McGuinness, Beth Allen, Beth Compton, Wayne Turner, Ivonne Reed and Jessica Rainstein.

Enrollment for Kannapolis Charter Academy is under way. Those interested may apply online at KannapolisCharter.org or call 866-KIDS USA.