Quick Launch

Kristin Kiser, Principal

Kristin Kiser has served 20 years in the field of education. Prior to serving at Rankin as principal, Mrs. Kiser served as the principal of Pinewood Elementary for four years. Before working at Pinewood, Mrs. Kiser was the principal of Bessemer City Primary. She served in this capacity for two years. Other professional experiences include serving as a first, second, and fifth grade teacher collectively for 6 and one-half years at two elementary schools in Darlington County, South Carolina. She also served as a Title I Coordinating Teacher at Thornwell Elementary in Hartsville, SC for four years and as Federal Programs Coordinator for Chesterfield County Schools in Chesterfield, SC before returning to Gaston County. Upon her return, she served as assistant principal at Rankin Elementary and South Point High School, working alongside two legendary Gaston County administrators, Ron Foulk and Sherry Little.

A native of Belmont, Mrs. Kiser was educated in the Gaston County School System before earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Western Carolina University in 1991. She went on to earn a Masters Degree in Education from Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina and has furthered her education by attending Winthrop University and earning Administrative credentials by completing the Leadership Program there, accruing 30 hours above the Masters Degree level.

Mrs. Kiser continues to reside in Belmont with her family. She is a married mother of four children between the ages of 13 and 18. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and shopping.

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Donna Kelly, Assistant Principal

dskelly@gaston.k12.nc.us

Donna Kelly has served 16 years in the field of education. Prior to serving at Rankin, Mrs. Kelly was the Language Arts and Social Studies Instructional Specialist for Gaston County Schools. Other professional experiences include serving as a second and third grade teacher for 10 years and as a Schoolwide Enrichment Facilitator for 2 years at Belmont Central Elementary.

A native of Belmont, Mrs. Kelly is a product of the Gaston County School System. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Carolina University in 1995. She later went on to earn a Masters Degree in School Administration from UNC-Charlotte.

Mrs. Kelly resides in Gastonia with her husband, Todd, and two daughters, Lylian and Averie. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with family and friends.

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A Message from our Principal:

Dear Rankin Parents and Guardians,

The 2011-2012 school year is upon us and a new year brings new faces, new ideas, and some exciting new changes. I am excited to be your new principal at Rankin Elementary. Traditionally, Rankin Elementary has boasted high academic performance, growth, and achievement. As a new member of the Rankin team, it is my goal to work with this esteemed group of professionals to continue this respected tradition. At Rankin, we expect the best from ourselves, our students, and our parents. Your active support and cooperation, combined with our best professional efforts, will ensure academic success for your child. Welcome to a very special school, where wonderful things happen all the time because of caring and supportive faculty and staff and supportive, enthusiastic parents. Our Rankin Family works closely together to provide the best educational experience for all of our children.

We strive to create an environment that is warm, friendly and highly charged for learning. We truly believe we are a school that prepares students to be model citizens. The goal of our school is to provide each student with a challenging and rigorous curriculum appropriate to his/her academic level so they will be prepared for the future. The entire staff at Rankin Elementary wants to make this school year extremely successful for all students. We believe every child can achieve academic success. In order to ensure this for your children, every child will be provided with quality instructional experiences which recognize, support, and maintain high expectations for all students.

As your principal, you can expect that I will reach out to you and ask for your support, ideas, suggestions, and involvement. I will encourage you to join our school family in order to promote and support our efforts to prepare our students to be successful citizens. I pledge to do my level best to ensure that each child is challenged, nurtured, and provided with a safe and stimulating learning experience.

As we work together during the year, please contact me if you have questions, concerns, or comments related to your child’s school experience. We encourage you to become actively involved in our school program. You make a tremendous difference and are an essential piece to the learning process. You are always welcome and we look forward to your visits. Please continue to check our website regularly for news and upcoming events. We will continue to excel as we soar to new heights at Rankin Elementary!

Looking forward to a great year!

K. Kiser