25-26 Leadership Changes

We are pleased to announce the following leadership changes for the 2025-2026 school year: 

Following the retirement of Assistant Superintendent Brian Matthews at the end of this school year, Gayle Kimbrough will transition from her role as Principal of GlenOak High School to serve as Assistant Superintendent. Gayle has spent her entire career in Plain Local Schools, working in various capacities, including as a teacher, a member of the GlenOak counseling department, and a member of the district’s Curriculum Team. She also served as Deputy Principal before becoming Head Principal at GlenOak High School. A proud mother of two GlenOak graduates, Gayle is married to Shawn Kimbrough, a fellow educator at GlenOak.

Brett Niarchos, currently Deputy Principal at GlenOak High School, will take on the role of Head Principal at GlenOak High School. Brett has been an educator and leader in Plain Local Schools for over twenty years, having served as an Educator, Varsity Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, and ESSER Coordinator, where he worked to address educational challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Brett’s enthusiasm and dedication to the success of our students make him well-suited for this new leadership role. Brett and his partner Crystal live in North Canton. 

Deb Pickering will transition from her role as Academy Principal at GlenOak High School to serve as Deputy Principal. Deb has spent her career in Plain Local Schools, serving in various capacities including intervention specialist, volleyball coach, and most recently, Academy Principal. A proud mother of two, Kylee and Leo, Deb is married to Craig Pickering and lives in Perry Township.

Cherie Phillips has been hired as an Academy Principal at GlenOak High School. Ms. Phillips brings strong experience in educational leadership and student support. She currently serves as Assistant Principal at Waterloo High School and Middle School, overseeing grades 7-12. She also served as an Intervention Specialist and Administrative Intern in North Canton City Schools.

Lewis Adkins has been promoted to Academy Principal at GlenOak High School. Mr. Adkins has been teaching at Plain Local since 2019 in a variety of roles. Most recently, he taught 8th Grade English Language Arts and Enriched ELA at Oakwood Middle School and was our 2024 summer school principal. 

Chicola Whitfield, currently Deputy Principal at Oakwood Middle School, will become Head Principal at Oakwood Middle School for the 2025–2026 school year. Chicola has also served as an Academy Principal at GlenOak High School before moving into her current role. Her energy, vision, and dedication to student success make her well-suited for this new leadership opportunity.

Braylin Taylor will join Oakwood Middle School as Deputy Principal. Mr. Taylor comes to Plain Local from Akron Public Schools, where he most recently served as Assistant Principal at Innes Community Learning Center, supporting middle school academic achievement and student success. Prior to his administrative role, he taught at East Community Learning Center and actively participated in leadership teams, student improvement planning, and student organizations like DECA.