Administration
Principal, Alicia Leach
Meet the Principal
Mrs. Alicia Leach brings more than 20 years of experience in education to Salemburg Elementary School, with a career spanning classroom instruction, higher education, and school administration.
As principal, Mrs. Leach is committed to creating a school environment where students are supported, staff members feel valued, families are welcomed, and high expectations for teaching and learning remain at the center of the work. She believes in being visible, building strong relationships, communicating openly, and making decisions that put students first.
Mrs. Leach is honored to serve the Salemburg Elementary community and looks forward to working alongside students, staff, families, and community partners to ensure every Leopard has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Professional Experience
Salemburg Elementary School — Principal, 2026–Present
Lakewood High School — Assistant Principal, 2024–2026
Hobbton Middle School — Assistant Principal, 2016–2024
Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School — Language Arts Teacher, 2013–2016
Sampson Middle School — Language Arts Teacher, 2008–2013
Grand Canyon University — Adjunct Professor, 2011–2019
NC Virtual Public Schools — English Facilitator, 2008–2010
Lewis Chapel Middle School — Language Arts Teacher, 2004–2008
Education
Master of School Administration, Gardner-Webb University, 2015
Post-Master’s Certificate in College Teaching, Capella University, 2012
Master of Arts in Teaching, Grand Canyon University, 2008
Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Theater, Minor in English Literature, Fayetteville State University, 2004
Honors & Recognition
Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School Teacher of the Year, 2016–2017
Email: aleach@sampson.k12.nc.us
Phone number: 910-525-5547
Assistant Principal, Gabriela Blankenship
Meet the Assistant Principal
I am excited to begin my second year as assistant principal at Salemburg Elementary and my ninth year in education. Before becoming an educator, I served more than 12 years in the United States Coast Guard. Since then, I have had the opportunity to teach preschool, third grade, and fourth grade, work as a remediation teacher, lead an advanced learners program, serve as a lead teacher, and work as an instructional coach before moving into school administration. Each of those experiences has shaped the way I lead and has given me a chance to see education from many different perspectives.
What I value most about a school is its people. I believe students need adults who know them, care about them, and still hold them to high expectations. I believe teachers and staff deserve to feel supported, trusted, and appreciated for the work they do every day. I also believe families should feel like they are truly part of their child's school. As a bilingual educator, making sure our Spanish-speaking families feel welcomed, informed, and comfortable communicating with us is especially important to me.
I believe in being present, listening, and working alongside others. I don't expect perfection from students or adults, but I do believe we should always be willing to learn, grow, and do what is best for kids. I am proud to be a Salemburg Leopard and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our students, staff, and families.
Professional Experience
Salemburg Elementary School — Assistant Principal, 2025–Present
Union Intermediate School — Instructional Coach, 2024–2025
North Carolina Virtual Academy
Lead Fourth Grade Teacher & Advanced Learners Program
Fourth Grade Teacher
Remediation Teacher
Mevers School of Excellence — Third Grade Teacher
Summerville Catholic School
Third Grade Teacher
Preschool Teacher
United States Coast Guard — 12+ Years of Service
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in K–12 Educational Leadership — In Progress
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master of School Administration
Fayetteville State University, 2026
Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction, AIG Add-On
Gardner-Webb University, 2024
Master of Arts in Teaching, K–6 Elementary Education, Minor in English Language Learning
Northcentral University, 2021
Bachelor of Science
Charleston Southern University, 2016
Honors & Recognition
Salemburg Elementary School Support Staff of the Year, 2025–2026
North Carolina Virtual Academy Elementary Teacher of the Year, 2023–2024
Summerville Catholic School Elementary Teacher of the Year, 2018–2019