Lexington City Schools Board approves Melissa Blackburn as Principal of Pickett Elementary
Lexington City Schools Board Approves Melissa Blackburn as Principal of Pickett Elementary
At its regularly scheduled meeting on June 3, 2025, the Lexington City Schools Board of Education approved the appointment of Melissa Blackburn as the new principal of Pickett Elementary School.
Blackburn brings over 20 years of experience in public education, including deep ties to Pickett Elementary, where she previously served as an Exceptional Children’s teacher for more than a decade. Known for her passion for inclusive education, commitment to student success, and ability to build strong school communities, Blackburn is a respected and familiar leader within the district.
“Returning to Pickett, where I began my journey with Lexington City Schools, is a true honor,” Blackburn said. “I’m excited to lead a school community that holds so many meaningful memories for me and to help build an even stronger future for our students and staff.”
In her most recent role as Assistant Principal at South Lexington School and Developmental Center, Blackburn led major improvements in instructional practices, family engagement, and support for students with disabilities. Under her leadership, the school achieved a significant increase in student proficiency on NC Extend 1 assessments and retained 95% of staff across both South Lexington campuses.
Blackburn’s accomplishments also include:
Designing and revitalizing sensory rooms to support student emotional and sensory needs
Leading compliance efforts for 5-star School Age Care Environmental Rating Scales (SACERS)
Developing a school-wide walkthrough protocol aligned with district literacy initiatives
Increasing testing participation for students with exceptional needs from 50% to 100%
She previously completed the Principal Preparation for Excellence and Equity in Rural Schools (PPEERS) program at UNC-Greensboro and served as an administrative intern at Lexington Middle School. As a former Teacher of the Year and “Be Somebody” award recipient at Pickett Elementary, Blackburn is known for her ability to lead with heart, strategy, and purpose.
Dr. Nakia Hardy, Superintendent of Lexington City Schools, shared her enthusiasm for the board’s decision. “Melissa Blackburn is a visionary leader who brings deep instructional knowledge, a commitment to inclusive education, and a strong understanding of the Lexington City Schools community. Her return to Pickett as principal is both a full-circle moment and a bold step forward for the school.”
Blackburn holds a Master of School Administration from UNC-Greensboro and a Master of Education in Mental Disabilities from High Point University. She is licensed in Mental Disabilities (K–12), Regular Education (K–6), and School Administration.
She will officially assume her role as principal of Pickett Elementary on July 1, 2025.
