The Batesville School District has announced the appointment of a new principal and vice principal at Eagle Mountain Elementary.
Mychelle Spivey (pictured above, left) has been appointed principal of Eagle Mountain Elementary. Spivey earned a specialist degree in education principalship from Arkansas State University in August 2018 and a master’s degree in educational theory and practice from Arkansas State University in August 2014. Her educational journey began at Lyon College in Batesville, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education and history in May 2011.
A native of Ponder, Texas, Spivey interned at Eagle Mountain under Sue Johnston and Ann Walmsley. She spent one and a half years as an academic coach at Central and Eagle Mountain Elementary. Spivey has served as Eagle Mountain Elementary’s assistant principal for the past five and a half years.
The school district said in a release that Spivey’s strong educational background and deep commitment to fostering student success help her bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role.
“We are thrilled to have Mychelle step into the role of principal at Eagle Mountain Elementary,” said Batesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Ken James. “Her dedication to our students and her extensive experience make her the perfect fit for this position. We look forward to seeing her lead our school with the same enthusiasm and commitment she has shown throughout her career.”
“I am thrilled to take on this new role as principal,” said Spivey. “It is an honor to serve alongside such dedicated educators, engaged parents, and, most importantly, our incredible students. I am eager to bring my passion for education and my commitment to fostering a culture of learning where every child can thrive. Together, we will build a foundation of lifelong growth.”
Jace Dunegan has been appointed vice principal of Eagle Mountain Elementary for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Dunegan transitions from his role as dean of students and preschool director at Sulphur Rock Elementary.
A lifelong native of Batesville, Dunegan graduated from Southside High School in 2011. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mid-level education in 2019 and a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2022, both from Arkansas State University. Dunegan has five years of educational experience, including three years as a seventh-grade math teacher at Batesville Junior High and one year as an elementary physical education teacher at Midland.
“We are thrilled to have Jace Dunegan join the leadership team at Eagle Mountain Elementary,” Dr. James said. “His dedication to fostering strong relationships and his commitment to student success make him an excellent fit for this position. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our school community alongside Principal Spivey.”
Dunegan credits his success to the strong relationships he has built throughout his career. “Relationships are everything in education,” Dunegan said. “I have been fortunate to learn from great leaders who taught me the importance of being humble and investing in our students and teachers alike to help them realize their potential.”
Images: Batesville School District
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