Polk County Schools has named Lori Byars as the district’s preschool director, bringing 25 years of educational experience and deep community roots to the role.
Byars currently serves as assistant principal at Polk County Middle School, where she oversees testing coordination, transportation, discipline and teacher evaluations. She has spent her entire career in Polk County Schools, the same district where she was educated.
A National Board Certified Teacher, Byars brings extensive early childhood education expertise to the position. She taught second and third grades at Polk Central Elementary School for 21 years before transitioning to middle school in 2022. She also serves as the district’s National Board coordinator and facilitator for second-year beginning teachers.
Byars earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Gardner-Webb University and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Appalachian State University. She also holds a graduate certificate in school administration and leadership from Appalachian State.
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve in Polk County Schools — the same district that educated me,” Byars said. “Over the past 25 years, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside dedicated educators who care deeply about our students. In this new role as preschool director, I look forward to collaborating with our elementary principals, early learning teams, teachers, families and community to ensure every child has a strong foundation for success.”
Byars was named Polk Central School Teacher of the Year in 2007 and has served in numerous leadership roles, including school improvement chairperson, grade level chairperson and mentor teacher. She has coordinated the district’s summer reading camp for multiple years.
Superintendent Todd Murphy said Byars’ combination of early childhood expertise and administrative experience makes her ideally suited to lead the district’s preschool programs.
“Lori’s deep understanding of early childhood development, combined with her proven leadership skills and commitment to Polk County Schools, will strengthen our preschool program and ensure our youngest learners receive the strong foundation they need,” Murphy said. “Her experience spanning from the classroom to school administration gives her unique insight into how we can best support our early learners and their families. We’re fortunate to have someone with her expertise and dedication leading this critical work.”
Byars said she is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Polk County Schools families.
“I am deeply grateful to Polk County Schools for this opportunity and for the continued trust to serve our students and families in a district known for its strong relationships, academic excellence and outstanding community support,” Byars said. “Polk County Schools truly offers big opportunities in a small-town setting, and I am proud to continue contributing to that tradition.”
