Inspired Leadership: A Vision for Flourishing Lives

The transformation of J.H. Knox Intermediate School is not just about new buildings and innovative programs—it's also about inspired leadership. As the Salisbury community looks forward to the August 2026 opening, the appointment of Hartness as the new campus leader for both J.H. Knox Intermediate and Overton Elementary brings fresh vision and momentum to this ambitious project.

This new approach to the principal leadership role is designed to bring our Knox-Overton campus schools together, create stronger academic consistency, and offer more opportunities for students to explore their passions.

Over the last two years as principal at Hanford Dole Elementary, Hartness transformed the school culture and educational experience for students and staff. Discipline referrals dropped, and academic achievement soared under her leadership. 

“As the principal of Dole, my goal has been to establish a connected, capable, and confident learning community,” Hartness said. “We have taken strides toward this goal by implementing structures for students that support social-emotional learning and academics, showing positive growth for all students.”

Embracing the Challenge

Opening a new school is a long-held professional goal for Hartness, who views the Overton-Knox project as a unique opportunity to collaboratively design and implement the structures, processes, and instructional practices essential for success.

“It is a huge and complex responsibility, but one I am eager to tackle,” Hartness said. “I am looking forward to collaborating throughout the design process with the goal of infusing innovative practices that lead to an engaging, student-centered learning environment.”

Hartness is committed to ongoing community engagement, building on the CDT’s foundation by hosting listening sessions and providing opportunities for feedback. Once the school opens, the community will be invited to serve as active partners in sustaining an engaging, inclusive, and responsive educational experience.

A Vision Beyond the Classroom

Inspired by educational thought leader Carl Grant, Hartness envisions Overton-Knox as a place where students are co-facilitators in their learning, integrating their voices, motivations, and interests into instruction. The goal is to move beyond traditional teaching, fostering a sense of belonging and offering diverse experiences through project-based learning, community engagement, and real-world exploration.

“My vision is that the Overton-Knox campus becomes a place where students are co-facilitators in their learning. We must be prepared to foster a strong sense of belonging in our learning community and offer our students a diverse range of experiences that consistently ignite their curiosity and empower them to connect their learning to life beyond the classroom,” Hartness said.

Withers also underscored the district’s commitment to student-centered learning and innovative practices at the new school.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that every child in Rowan-Salisbury Schools has access to a learning environment that is rigorous, relevant, and inclusive,” Withers said. “J. H. Knox Intermediate and Overton Elementary will set a new standard for what’s possible in public education.”

Looking Ahead: A Place of Purpose, Pride, and Possibility

With the combined power of community-driven design, innovative leadership, and a clear vision for the future, J.H. Knox Intermediate and Overton Elementary are set to become places where learning is relevant and rigorous, relationships and wellness are foundational, and every student is prepared to lead a life of purpose, pride, and possibility.

The countdown to August 2026 continues, but the promise of a new day for Knox and Overton is already shining brightly in Salisbury.