Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent George Hummer has announced three administrator changes that will take effect on July 1. Dr. Tara Woolever has been named the new principal of James Wood Middle School, Karen McCoy has been named the new principal at Sherando High School and Alyssa McKee has been named assistant principal at James Wood High School.

Woolever succeeds Grant Javersak who is retiring after working in Frederick County Public Schools for 19 years, including the past 12 years as the principal at James Wood Middle School. Woolever has 24 years of experience as an educator and school leader. She is returning to Frederick County after spending seven years in Loudoun County. Prior to assuming her current position as assistant principal at John Champe High School, Woolever served as assistant principal at Trailside Middle School (2016-2019), Instructional Supervisor at Frederick County Public Schools (2008-2016), social studies teacher and department chair at Millbrook High School (2003-2008) and social studies teacher at James Wood High School (1999-2003). She also serves as an adjunct professor at Shenandoah University. Woolever has a bachelor’s degree in history from Shepherd University, a master’s degree in computers in education from Shenandoah University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from George Mason University and a doctor of professional studies in organizational leadership from Shenandoah University.

McCoy succeeds John Nelson who is retiring after working in Frederick County Public Schools for 40 years, including the past 23 years as the principal at Sherando High School. McCoy has served as assistant principal at Sherando High School since 2011. Prior to that she was an assistant principal at John Handley High School (2009-2011), assistant director of student activities at John Handley High School (2007-2009), a health/physical education teacher at Loudoun Valley High School (2006-2007), assistant coordinator of student activities at Sherando High School (2002-2006), a health/physical education teacher at Sherando High School (2001-2006), and an elementary physical education teacher (1992-2001). McCoy has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and health/physical education and a master’s degree in kinesiology from James Madison University. She also holds a certificate in professional studies for Virginia licensure in administration and supervision from Shenandoah University. 

Mckee has been named assistant principal at James Wood High School. She succeeds Michael Bolin who recently assumed the role of Hearing Officer/Safety and Security Administrator at the Frederick County Public Schools Administration Building. Prior to being named assistant principal at James Wood High School, McKee was the Senior Lead Teacher at Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School (2022-2023) and an English teacher at James Wood High School (2014-2022). McKee holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Shenandoah University.

Hummer says, “As we recognize Mr. Javersak and Mr. Nelson for their many years of service to Frederick County Public Schools, we are excited to welcome Dr. Woolever and Ms. McCoy into their new leadership roles. Both possess a great deal of experience and a commitment to realizing the school division’s vision of being an innovative community where caring relationships and authentic learning inspire all students.  I’m confident both will build upon the many successes achieved at both James Wood Middle School and Sherando High School in the years to come. We are also excited to welcome Ms. McKee to her new leadership role and know she will contribute to the ongoing success of James Wood High School.”