For Ashley Starley, serving Wilkinson County Schools has never just been a career—it has been an opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape her.

A proud graduate of Wilkinson County High School, Starley has spent all 16 years of her career in Wilkinson County Schools. Along the way, she has served as a special education teacher and Due Process Coordinator, working with students from Pre-K through eighth grade and building strong relationships with families and colleagues across the district.

This school year, she begins an exciting new chapter as Assistant Principal of Wilkinson County Elementary School, where she will help lead the district's newly unified Pre-K through fifth-grade campus.

Starley says her passion for education has always been rooted in helping students overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and experience success. That same passion now extends beyond the classroom as she takes on a leadership role dedicated to supporting students, educators, and families while helping guide schoolwide initiatives that foster growth and achievement.

"I am excited to serve in a different capacity that allows me to support students, staff, and families while helping lead schoolwide initiatives that promote growth and success," Starley shared. "I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the district that helped shape me by fostering a positive culture, supporting educators, and creating opportunities for all students to succeed."

Colleagues know Starley as someone who is dedicated, consistent, and dependable—qualities she hopes to bring into her new position each day.

Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and planning long weekend getaways, always looking ahead to her next adventure. She also finds inspiration in the quote, "Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work," a reminder that meaningful accomplishments are built through dedication and perseverance.

As Wilkinson County Elementary School prepares for the new school year, Starley is eager to continue serving the community she has always called home while helping create an environment where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Please join Wilkinson County Schools in congratulating Ashley Starley on this well-earned promotion and wishing her continued success in her new role.