Dr. Julie Frank, Principal

Dr. Frank brings more than 20 years of distinguished experience as a teacher, administrator, systems consultant, academic, and school leader across K-12 and higher education settings. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Ferris State University, and a Bachelor's in Biology from Wayne State University. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to equity, instructional excellence, and student-centered innovation. 

Prior to joining our ACS Cougar Crew, Dr. Frank served as Interim Principal at Mayville Elementary School, where she developed and implemented multi-tiered systems of support and launched targeted literacy interventions. Her extensive leadership experience also includes roles as Director of Professional and Organizational Learning for South Bend Community Schools where she led the implementation of a $23 million federal grant to enhance educator development and student learning as well as work as an assistant dean, assistant professor, and research associate at several respected universities. 

Dr. Franks commitment to student achievement and leadership development are why we are proud to call her our Principal at Lucy S. Herring!

Eddie Gibbs, Assistant Principal

Eddie Gibbs has been named assistant principal of Lucy S. Herring Elementary School for the 2022-2023 school year.  

Eddie grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina chasing blue crabs and seagulls. He has two younger siblings, a brother, Teddy and a sister, Wendi. 

Mr. Gibbs began his career in Hyde County, his home county.  He taught grades 2 through high school for 12 years. He was also the Director of Child Nutrition for 2 years before moving to Beaufort County where he taught 4th grade and reading for 3 years.  Before moving to Western North Carolina and teaching math at Asheville Middle School, Mr. Gibbs taught in Craven County in grades 4 and 6 for 16 years where he earned National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in 2007.  He was honored by his peers as Teacher of the Year in 2013.

Mr. Gibbs attended East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Masters Degree in School Administration, and Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction there.  Mr. Gibbs looks forward to working with students, teachers, and families in the Lucy S. Herring Community.  Mr. Gibbs’ goals are to guarantee all students have a sense of belonging at their school, feel safe and learn to their fullest potential.  He believes the future of any community is the children who will one day be the leaders of tomorrow.  

In his free minutes, Mr. Gibbs loves all things Coastal. He enjoys spending the day at the beach, crabbing on the banks of Lake Mattamuskeet and relaxing at Ocracoke Island.  He enjoys playing piano and cooking and arranging flowers.  He has owned a catering company for more than 30 years and a flower shop for 20. 

Mr. Gibbs’ driving motivation for over 35 years has been his desire to make school a memorable experience for his students.  He believes every day should be exciting and new for students, all while building a sense of family in his classroom.  Mr. Gibbs looks forward to building that same sense of community at Lucy S. Herring Elementary.