Last Updated on August 11, 2025 1:52 pm
BOONE — Watauga County Schools and the Margaret E. Gragg Education Center (Central Office) recently welcomed Dr. Katie Barbee as the newest member of the district leadership team. Barbee will be filling an essential role in the Curriculum department.
“I am so excited that Dr. Barbee is joining our curriculum team,” said Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander. “She brings a wealth of knowledge to this position. Her variety of classroom experiences gives her great insight into how to best support our teachers. Additionally, having a decade of experience as an administrator will help her to support our principals in their role as instructional leaders. She is going to be a great asset to our team.”
Barbee is a proud Appalachian State University graduate, starting her 23rd year in education. Her career began as an Exceptional Children’s teacher, and she later transitioned to teaching 1st—and 4th-grade students.
Most recently, she was an administrator in Cleveland County Schools, where she first served as an assistant principal for 3.5 years. Barbee was a principal in Cleveland County for 10 years, spending six years as an elementary school principal and four as a middle school principal.
“Being in a school is all I have ever known since I was a young child,” Barbee said. “My father was a principal, and also my own high school principal, so schools have always been my second home. As a young child, I remember being with my dad at work in the summers and helping teachers unpack curriculum materials in the library and taking them to classrooms. Education is truly a part of who I am and has always been a part of my life.”
When asked what she looks forward to most about serving on the district’s Curriculum team, she said she is most excited to serve Watauga County and build relationships.
“I look forward to contributing to the district’s vision and being a part of a team that truly makes Watauga County Schools the best place to work and learn in North Carolina,” Barbee said.
When asked what she anticipates as the greatest challenge in her new role, she recognizes that any new job comes with a period of learning and growing. She does not view this as a challenge, but an opportunity to use her skills to serve others in a different capacity and contribute to the great work already being done in the school system.
“I am excited to work alongside this wonderful team, learning from and with them each day,” Barbee said.
When not in school buildings, she enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan and their three children, Cora, Millie and Ty. She loves to be outdoors and stay active through swimming, water skiing and snow skiing. She also enjoys cheering on her children at their athletic events. She loves traveling and relaxing with a good book and a cup of coffee.
“This community holds a special place in my heart. I lived here as a college student and graduated from Appalachian State University, so having the opportunity to return and serve in the same community that helped prepare me for my career is an incredible feeling,” Barbee said. “I truly feel like I am home again and look forward to a wonderful school year.”
