FCS Welcomes Ashleigh Barnhart-Burto as New Principal of LES
![FCS Welcomes Ashleigh Barnhart-Burto as New Principal of LES]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762964296/fcschoolsnet/oiwnxo0rr1kpxq4b9fsn/Barnhart-BurtoNewsReleaseAnnouncement.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762964296/fcschoolsnet/oiwnxo0rr1kpxq4b9fsn/Barnhart-BurtoNewsReleaseAnnouncement.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762964296/fcschoolsnet/oiwnxo0rr1kpxq4b9fsn/Barnhart-BurtoNewsReleaseAnnouncement.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762964296/fcschoolsnet/oiwnxo0rr1kpxq4b9fsn/Barnhart-BurtoNewsReleaseAnnouncement.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762964296/fcschoolsnet/oiwnxo0rr1kpxq4b9fsn/Barnhart-BurtoNewsReleaseAnnouncement.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762964296/fcschoolsnet/oiwnxo0rr1kpxq4b9fsn/Barnhart-BurtoNewsReleaseAnnouncement.png","width":1750}])
FCS Welcomes Ashleigh Barnhart-Burto as New Principal of LES
News Release: FCS Welcomes Ashleigh Barnhart-Burto as New Principal of LES
November, 12th 2025
Louisburg, NC — Franklin County Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Ashleigh Barnhart-Burto as the new principal of Louisburg Elementary School. Mrs. Barnhart-Burto brings more than 15 years of experience in education, including roles as a teacher, district leader, athletic director, and school administrator. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, student success, and building a positive school culture.
Most recently, Mrs. Barnhart-Burto served as Assistant Director at Wake Preparatory Academy, providing leadership for English Language Arts and Social Studies departments while supporting instructional improvement and academic growth across grades 7–12. Prior to relocating to North Carolina, she served as Principal at Knickerbocker Elementary School in Watertown, New York, where she guided her school to a 12% increase in ELA scores and a 5% increase in math scores in a single academic year.
“Mrs. Barnhart-Burto is a student-centered leader who believes in the power of relationships, collaboration, and continuous improvement,” said Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, Superintendent of Franklin County Schools. “Her experience in instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and school culture development will make a meaningful impact on the Louisburg Elementary community.”
Mrs. Barnhart-Burto is highly trained in Explicit Instruction under Dr. Anita Archer, and her leadership approach focuses on equipping teachers with effective strategies, fostering family engagement, and ensuring every student feels supported and valued. She holds multiple professional educator licenses in both North Carolina and New York and has earned advanced degrees in educational administration, curriculum and instruction, and health and physical education.
“I am excited to have the privilege to serve as the new principal of Louisburg Elementary School!” said Mrs. Barnhart-Burto. “I look forward to collaborating with our families and staff to inspire learning, celebrate growth, and strengthen our school community."