Susan Tilley
Superintendent
Susan is delighted to return home to the mountains! She was born and raised in Marion, Virginia and is a proud Virginia Tech Hokie with a degree in elementary education. She earned a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Virginia and also completed her endorsement in Administration & Supervision there as well.
Ms. Tilley comes to Galax City Schools from Newport News Public Schools where she spent 27 years serving in various roles. She began her career as a middle school English and social studies teacher before becoming a middle school assistant principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. She most recently served as the Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership.
Susan shared, “I am unbelievably excited to join the Galax Schools family! Maroon Tide pride and a tradition of excellence are hallmarks of this exceptional school division. I look forward to working and learning alongside the students, faculty, families, and community.”
Email: susantilley@galaxschools.us
Charles Byrd
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction / Title IX
Mr. Byrd, a 1988 graduate of Galax High School comes to Galax City Public Schools after working in Henry County, Virginia as the principal of Magna Vista High School. Mr. Byrd earned his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University in Textile and Apparel Management. He came to education after spending 13 years in the textile industry. He has also served as assistant principal and athletic director at Magna Vista and at Laurel Park Middle School. He worked in central office as a curriculum coordinator after having taught middle school science for five years at Fieldale Collinsville Middle School. He is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescence Science. Mr. Byrd earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Radford University and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Education also from Radford. Mr. Byrd is very excited to return home to serve the Galax community as principal of Galax High School.
Email: charlesbyrd@galaxschools.us
Jeff Sharpe
Director of Support Services
Jeff is a native of Galax, Virginia and a 1987 graduate of Galax High School. He graduated from Radford University in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Jeff began his career with Galax City Public Schools in 2000 as the Director of Support Services overseeing the Transportation Department, Maintenance Department and Office of School Nutrition Programs. Jeff shared, “It is a pleasure to serve my community in the school system I attended.”
Email: jeffsharpe@galaxschools.us
Shelia Ramey
Director of Human Resources and CTE
Mrs. Ramey is a graduate of Carroll County High School who has spent her entire career in Galax City Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Bluefield College. She worked at Galax Middle School for twenty four years teaching middle school science. She enriched the lives of her students by coordinating numerous field trips and providing educational enrichment opportunities through activities funded through 21st Century grants. She transitioned to the role of Human Resource Coordinator to continue her dedication to the division by supporting the current teachers and staff and helping to hire the most qualified staff to serve the students of Galax City Public Schools.
Email: sheliaramey@galaxschools.us
Sarah Byrd
Director of Federal Programs, Grants, and Accountability
Mrs. Sarah Byrd is a graduate of Carroll County High School who has returned to the area after living and working in Henry County and Martinsville City. She earned her Bachelors of Business Administration with an endorsement to teach from Radford University, a Masters of Education in Reading from Averett University, and a Certificate in School Leadership with an Administration and Supervision PreK-12 endorsement from James Madison University. She has worked as a Human Resource manager in manufacturing. She taught CTE classes, middle school English, worked as a reading specialist and as an ITRT and most recently was the Director of Human Resources, Communications, and Community Outreach for Martinsville City Public Schools. She is excited to use her skills to contribute to and support the great things that are happening in Galax City Public Schools.
Email: sarahbyrd@galaxschools.us
Jessica Wolford
Director of Special Education
Mrs.Wolfod grew up and began her career in education in Farmville, Virginia. After high school, she attended Sweet Briar College to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and Master of Education degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education. After graduation, she returned home to Farmville where she taught for four years. In 2016, she moved to Woodlawn, Virginia and joined Maroon Tide Nation. She worked as a third and fourth grade special education teacher for three years, as well as lead special education teacher and Student Assistance Team Coordinator. In 2019, she earned her Master of Education in Administration and Supervision and became the Galax Middle School Assistant Principal. In May 2020, she was appointed the Director of Special Education for Galax City Public Schools.
Mrs. Wolford shares, “I am passionate about our children and community. Galax City is now my home, and I am proud to be able to make a difference in the lives of so many. Dedication, support, and love are a few words that immediately come to mind when thinking about Galax Schools, its students, families, surrounding community, and employees. Maroon Tide Nation is STRONG!”
Megan Boyer
Director of Curriculum and Technology
Mrs. Boyer graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 2008. In 2015, Mrs. Boyer completed her Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision at Regent University. Mrs. Boyer taught at the elementary level for 12 years before transitioning into the technology department. Mrs. Boyer’s passion for education and technology has led her to her current role with Galax City Public Schools.
Email: meganboyer@galaxschools.us
Michelle Finney
Galax High School Principal
Michelle joins Galax High School with diverse professional experiences. She began her career as a business education teacher before becoming an assistant principal, director of student services, central office program manager in CTE, and most recently a school principal. Her roles have allowed her to work as an administrator in elementary, middle, and high schools in Virginia. Michelle earned both her bachelor’s (Vocational-Technical Education) and master’s (Special Education, K-12) degrees at SUNY Oswego in New York before making her way to Virginia. She completed an endorsement in Administration and Supervision with the University of Virginia. Michelle began her career in Buckingham County and has also worked in Fairfax County and most recently in Montgomery County.
Michelle shares, “I am thrilled to be joining Galax High School! It is evident to me that this school community is special and has a strong record of excellence across the board. I’m eager to work with staff, students, and families to ensure that GHS continues to live up to its high standards, allowing the students of GHS to receive a world-class education.”
Email: michellefinney@galaxschools.us
Brian Stuart
Galax High School Assistant Principal
Mr. Stuart attended Carroll County High School. Following high school, Mr. Stuart graduated from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN, with a degree in Business Administration. He then went on to receive his Teaching Certification for grades 5-8 from Radford University and his Earth Science endorsement from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He since completed his Master of Arts in Education, his concentration being Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Mr. Stuart returned to the area after his schooling where he taught Earth Science at Galax High School from 1995-2004. He was also coached football, basketball, and softball during his time at GHS. Following his teaching at GHS, Mr. Stuart went to Carroll County High School where he served as Assistant Principal for two years. He returned to the Galax City Public School system in 2006-2015 as Principal as Galax Elementary School. He is now in his 4th year as assistant principal at Galax High School.
Email: brianstuart@galaxschools.us
Michelle Garvey
Galax Middle School Principal
Mrs. Garvey, formerly Ms. Zipprich, is originally from Illinois and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1991. Mrs. Garvey’s first career was in telecommunications. Upon moving to Galax in 1999, she spent several years as a stay at home mom to her son Alex.
She attended Radford University and graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education PK-6 with a concentration in Math and Science. Upon graduation, she was employed by Galax City Public Schools as a Fourth Grade Teacher. Mrs. Garvey returned to school in 2011 and obtained a Master’s of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Radford University. In the fall of 2016, Mrs.Garvey accepted a new position as the Instructional Technology Resource Teacher for Galax City Public Schools.
Mrs. Garvey loves being an educator and is excited to take on her role as Principal at Galax Elementary School. She says, “My greatest joy comes from watching students and teachers grow and reach beyond what they believe is possible. I love Galax City Public Schools and can’t imagine working in a more incredible school system anywhere!”
Megan Collins
Galax Middle School Assistant Principal
Mrs. Megan Collins is a 2008 graduate of Grayson County High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2012, a Master of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University in 2017, and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from Liberty University in 2021.
She began her educational career serving as a Health and Physical Education teacher in Smyth and Grayson Counties. She then transitioned to Galax City Public Schools as a School Counselor at Galax Elementary School. In 2023, Ms. Collins embarked on a new chapter in her career by transitioning to Galax Middle School, where she currently serves as the Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Collins is dedicated to the growth and development of the students and staff of Galax City Public Schools. She truly enjoys witnessing the progress and achievements of each child!
Email: megancollins@galaxschools.us
Justin Iroler
Galax Elementary School Principal
Justin Iroler is a Carroll County native graduating from Carroll County High School in 1996. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Emory and Henry College in 2000 and began his teaching career at Oakland Elementary School. During his tenure at Oakland Elementary School, Mr. Iroler graduated from Radford University earning his Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Radford University in 2005. After serving the community of Oakland for five years, Mr. Iroler was named the Assistant Principal of Galax Middle School in 2005. He served GMS for five years and was named the Assistant Principal at Galax High School in 2010 and was named Principal of Galax High School in May 2013. He served GHS as Principal for five years and was recently named Principal of Galax Middle School on June 12, 2018.
Mr. Iroler shared, “I am very excited and thankful to be returning to Galax Middle School after serving Galax High School for the past eight years. Student success only derives from a community working together for a common purpose, “the success of all students.” I have always lived by the motto, “You get what you put in” and Galax students, day in and day out, put in the time and effort to make our school system a school community we can all be proud of; and for this, I am grateful.”
Email: justiniroler@galaxschools.us
Hillary Henry
Galax Elementary Assistant Principal
Mrs. Henry graduated in 2009 from Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Virginia. After high school, she attended Radford University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. Additionally, she holds an endorsement in Administration & Supervision from Longwood University.
She began her teaching career in 2014 at Galax Elementary. Over the years, she has taught various grades and earned an endorsement in English as a Second Language. She most recently served as an English Language teacher until April 2024 when she accepted the position as an Assistant Principal at Galax Elementary School.
Excited about her new role, Mrs. Henry looks forward to serving the students and staff at Galax Elementary School. She is dedicated to creating a positive and supportive learning environment, aiming to foster growth and success for all.
Email: hillaryhenry@galaxschools.us
Maggie Hawks
Galax Elementary Assistant Principal
As the daughter of a teacher, Ms. Hawks spent a great deal of her free time at school and also helping her mother grade papers. She continued to show an interest in working with students by taking a “Teachers for Tomorrow” class in high school. When she graduated from Grayson County High School she enrolled at Wytheville Community College as a business administration major. However, she quickly realized that her true passion lay in education. She graduated from WCC with an Associate’s Degree in Education and then attended Old Dominion University and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
She was hired in 2012 at Fairview Elementary in Grayson County as a 4th grade teacher with some subjects in 3rd and 5th grades as well. She then moved to Fries School in 2019 as a 4th grade math teacher. During this time she went to graduate school for her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and graduated from Radford University in 2022.
Ms. Hawks is excited to join the Galax Elementary School Team as an Assistant Principal. “I have already felt so welcomed into the TIDE community and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with students as part of an awesome team!”
Email: maggiecutshall@galaxschools.us
Jason Kohl
School Psychologist/ 504 Coordinator
Jason first started working for Galax City Schools in August 2013 as a school psychologist intern before continuing as a fully licensed school psychologist for the 2014-2015 school year. Jason is a product of Galax High School graduating in 2004. He completed his bachelor’s degree at BYU in 2010 in Marriage, Family, and Human Development with an emphasis on family and youth counseling. Jason immediately worked as a daytime therapeutic counselor with Family Preservation Services being stationed at Carroll County High School. He entered graduate school at James Madison University where Jason completed both his master’s and educational specialists degrees in school psychology and has since become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Jason specializes in intellectual, developmental, and socioemotional assessment as he works alongside various school staff to create meaningful educational experiences where all students have the opportunity to meet their fullest potential. Furthermore, Jason engages in direct student services with individual and group counseling, crisis management, and behavior support.
Email: jasonkohl@galaxschools.us
Sydney Bourne
School Social Worker/ Foster Care Liaison/ Homeless Liaison
Email: sydneybourne@galaxschools.us
Matthew Cornett
Technology Coordinator
Matthew, a Galax native and former GCPS student/part-time employee, has returned to GCPS to work in the IT department full-time. His return to GCPS in his adult life comes after earning a degree in Information Technology after graduating from GHS, along with network industry certification credentials and experience working in the private IT sector following graduation. Technology has been a field of interest for Matthew from an early age and that has continued until today in the K-12 academic setting at Galax City Public Schools
Email: matthewcornett@galaxschools.us
Dalton Young
Technology Technician
Dalton Young, a native of Fries, Virginia, graduated from Grayson County High School in 2016 and went on to earn his Associate’s Degree in Information Technology with a Specialization in Networking from Wytheville Community College. With a lifelong interest in technology, Dalton looks forward to a career in technology at Galax City Public Schools, ensuring that technology in the classroom is used to its fullest potential.
Email: daltonyoung@galaxschools.us
Shannon Wilson
Instructional Technology Resource Teacher
With 20 years of dedicated experience in education, Mrs. Wilson brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT) for all three schools. Mrs. Wilson’s diverse background includes teaching kindergarten, second grade, and a specialty class in technology for grades Pre-K through fourth. Her passion for integrating technology into the classroom shines through as she collaborates with teachers both inside and outside the classroom, helping them enhance their instructional practices and foster a dynamic learning environment. Mrs. Wilson’s commitment to advancing educational technology and supporting her colleagues underscores her role as a key resource in our school community.
Email: shannonwilson@galaxschools.us
