The Shadow
LOW MOOR, VA (VR) – The Alleghany Highlands School Board on June 15 formally appointed Dee Ann Tickner as the new principal of Jeter Watson Elementary School, capping a meeting that also highlighted student achievements, a college-and-career readiness initiative, and a closed-session review of legal and safety matters.
Tickner’s appointment is effective July 1, 2026, and fills the vacancy created when Cynthia Morgan was promoted to serve as Alleghany Highlands Public Schools director of instruction.
Board members approved the personnel move as part of a broader package of staffing changes. Additional staff assignments, potential appointments, resignations, and salaries were discussed in a closed executive session at the end of the meeting.
Tickner has served as assistant principal at Jeter Watson and previously worked for years as a school counselor at Breckenridge and Eagle Rock Elementary schools in Botetourt County, as well as a counselor in Spartanburg, S.C., and Lyman. She began her public education career in 1995.
She holds a master’s degree in elementary guidance and counseling from Clemson University (1995) and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C. (1993). Her background includes experience as both a school counselor and a special education teacher.
In her statement to the board, Tickner said she is grateful for the opportunity to lead the school community she has already been serving.
“I am honored, humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next principal of Jeter Watson Elementary School,” Tickner said. “Having served as the assistant principal, I am deeply committed to the community and thankful for the trust that has been placed in me. I am excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to a wonderful school year.”
School Board Chairman Jon Lanford said Tickner’s experience within the division and her varied roles in education will help ensure continuity at Jeter Watson as leadership changes hands.
“Mrs. Tickner brings strong leadership experience and a deep commitment to student success,” Lanford said. “Her background within our division and years in education make her well prepared for this role, and we are confident she will serve Jeter Watson Elementary School well. She has worked closely with Ms. Morgan, and that experience will help ensure a smooth transition.”
In other business, the board recognized local excellence under agenda item 26-167, issuing formal awards to community champions. Members also spotlighted the Alleghany High School speech and debate team, commending students for their performance in the Southwest Virginia Forensics League.
The board further reviewed an instructional partnership program listed as item 26-169, titled “Renewing Our Commitment: Alleghany High School and DARS, Empowering Our Students for Life Beyond Graduation.” The initiative is aimed at helping students prepare for life after high school, with an emphasis on readiness for college, careers, and other post-secondary paths.
Later in the evening, the board entered a closed session under provisions of the Code of Virginia to review several sensitive matters. Those discussions included student disciplinary cases, briefings on actual or probable litigation involving the school division, and school safety reports, including security updates and audit findings.
After returning to open session, the board opened the floor for public comment before moving to routine business. Members then unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included approval of the previous month’s minutes.
The meeting closed with board members emphasizing the significance of the leadership transition at Jeter Watson, describing Tickner’s appointment as a positive step for the school and the wider Alleghany community, given her long-standing work with students and families.
