Catawba Elementary School

Dr. Bethany Settlemyre

School Principal

Meet Bethany N. Settlemyre, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2000

Experience – I spent the 23 years teaching middle school language arts at Maiden Middle School. Having enjoyed such a wonderful teaching experience prepared me for my role as an Administrator. I became the Assistant Principal here at Catawba in 2023, and was selected to serve as the Principal in 2025.

Education

B.S. in Middle Grades Education, Gardner-Webb University

M.A. in Middle Grades Education, Appalachian State University

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Gardner-Webb University

Add-on License in Educational Leadership, UNC Greensboro

National Board Certified

State Certification in Academically/Intellectually Giftedness

Why I became an Educator – School was never easy for me. Thankfully I was blessed with parents, teachers, and mentors who guided me through my educational journey and encouraged me to never, ever give up. It is my desire to encourage all students to discover their strengths and pursue their dreams to the best of their abilities. One of my favorite things about working with students is that every day is different. There are always new avenues to explore and new paths to discover. I absolutely love it when students figure out that their perceived weaknesses may actually be their superpowers!

Favorite Places – My family enjoys hiking in the mountains, relaxing at the beach, and just hanging out at our farm here in Catawba County. My favorite places are coffee trucks, bakeries, and anywhere there is chocolate!

Favorite Activities – Drinking coffee ranks Number #1 on my list! Spending time with my family is a close second! I also enjoy swimming, reading, cooking, and baking. 

Something Unique about Me – When I retire from education, I would love to open a bakery.

Joe Weaver

Assistant Principal

Meet Mr. Weaver, Assistant Principal

Joined Team CCS - August 2006

Experience – Mr. Weaver brings 19 years of experience in education—all with Catawba County Schools! He is a National Board Certified teacher, a national presenter for PE professional development, and was even named North Carolina Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2015! For the past two years, he’s been serving students with visual impairments across the county.

Education – He earned his undergraduate degree in Health and PE from Lenoir-Rhyne University and went on to receive a Master’s in Adapted PE from the University of South Carolina. Most recently, he completed his Master’s in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University.

Favorite Activities – He lives in Conover with his wife, Erin, their two sons, Jackson and Lincoln, and their giant schnauzer, Nash. When he’s not at school, Mr. Weaver enjoys working outdoors—especially mowing the grass 

Michelle DePalma

Administrative Assistant – School Treasurer, Catawba Elementary School

Meet Mrs. DePalma:

• When did you begin working in Catawba County Schools? July 2024
• Educational information: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Teachers of Tomorrow
• Why I Became a School Secretary: My family has moved states several times for my husband's job - I have always enjoyed working in the classroom and wanted to continue working in a school. I was very excited to find a position so close to home!
• Favorite place in Catawba County: Anywhere that has good food!

Jesse Starnes

Data Manager, Catawba Elementary School

Meet Mrs. Starnes:

• Joined Team CCS - August 17, 2005
• Education – BS in Accounting, Villa Maria College, Erie PA
• Why I Became a Data Manager – I have always loved working with children, which is so much better than dealing with numbers
• Favorite Place in Catawba County – Sunsets from my back porch

Wanda Henry

School Receptionist, Catawba Elementary

Jennie Fitzpatrick

School Nurse, Catawba Elementary

Meet Nurse Jennie:

• When did you begin working with Catawba County Schools? I began working with CCS(CCPH) in August of 2023.
• Educational Information: I have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from North Carolina A&T University.  I have been a Registered Nurse for 25 years.
• Why did you want to become a School Nurse? I have always had an interest and enjoyed pediatrics and was fortunate to return to this branch of nursing after 20 years in women's health. 
• Whats your favorite place in Catawba County? My favorite place to visit in Catawba county in Mountain Creek Park. I love to get out on the trails! 

Allen Carlisle

School Resource Officer, Catawba Elementary