Polenta Elementary has new principal

Tami Poland is the new principal of Polenta Elementary School in the Cleveland community.

The Johnston County Board announced the hire during a special meeting on Dec. 2.

Poland, who follows interim principal Kristina Benson, will begin her duties Jan. 3. She is no stranger to the Cleveland community, having spent six years as a family minister at C3 Church.

"I am honored to begin my career as principal at Polenta Elementary School," Poland said. "I have a passion for working with young students and their families, and I cannot wait to get started on this new endeavor."

An educator for the past decade, Poland was most recently an assistant principal at Meadow School. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from UNC Wilmington and her master's degree in school administration from N.C. State University.

"I look forward to seeing all of the wonderful things Mrs. Poland will accomplish as principal at Polenta Elementary," said Superintendent Eric Bracy. "She has a contagious personality and is focused on student success. I know she will work hard for her students and their families."