LoriSue Pelk, of Racine, Wis., has been named as the new principal of New Century Middle School.

Since 2004, she has served as principal of McKinley Middle School in Racine, during which time she was named a Wallace Fellow in the Top 20 Urban School District Leadership Acknowledgment Program.

Pelk began her educational career in Racine in 1988 as a special educator for disabilities students at the high school level. She spent the next three years in California working with disabilities students at both the elementary and high school levels.

Returning to Racine in 1993, she continued her work as a special educator before becoming assistant principal at Mitchell Middle School, where she served until assuming the principal's duties at McKinley Middle School.

In addition to being named a Wallace Fellow, Pelk was once again recognized at the state level as Teacher of the Year Middle School in 2000. She was also Teacher of the Year for Racine County in 1998.

Pelk received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1988 and a master's degree in administration and supervision from National Louis University in 2000. She will receive her Master Administrator Capstone Certification from the University of Wisconsin this year.

"I amlooking forward to the exciting opportunity of working with the New Century Middle School staff, students and community members," Pelk said. "My desire is to work with the New Century community to help build the best middle school in North Carolina, serving all of the students, using best practices and 21st century skills."

Superintendent Susan Purser said: "Ms. Pelk comes to us with a very strong background in curriculum and leadership. We are fortunate to have an educator of her caliber join our Moore County Schools family, and I know she will work closely with the staff and parents at New Century Middle School to provide the best quality educational experience for the students there."