PRINCIPAL: Amanda Harper
I am honored to have the opportunity to serve our school community as the principal of Louisa County Middle School. With the support of our community and dedicated staff, our students have persevered through a challenging time. The academic year ahead will provide the opportunity for reconnection and continued growth, and I am invigorated to lead our students and staff in expanding our strong foundation of success.
Louisa is my home. Before joining Bobcat Nation, I taught third grade at Trevilians Elementary School and fifth grade at Jouett Elementary School. Serving as an LCMS assistant principal for the past six years provided me the privilege of forming strong, positive relationships with students as they transitioned from elementary school to middle school. I am thrilled to unite my dedication to our community with my passion for lifelong learning through educational leadership. I take great responsibility and pride in ensuring a positive learning environment for every student. I share in our school community’s commitment to caring for students each day while providing them strong academic opportunities.
Because the relationships between families and the school are vital to the success of our students, I encourage you to become involved in your child’s educational experience at LCMS. I welcome your conversation and positive input throughout the year ahead and look forward to connecting with you in continuing a school culture of positivity and engagement!
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (6TH GRADE): Gary Lindsay
I am beyond excited to join Louisa County Middle School as the 6th-grade assistant principal. Over the years, I have learned that Louisa County is a supportive and proud community, and I have never worked with a more dedicated group of educators. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing learning community.
I am originally from Richmond, but Louisa has become my second home. After teaching 5th grade in Richmond City, I have spent the last 4 years as the assistant principal at Moss-Nuckols Elementary School. My time at M-NES meant the world to me. I was able to form strong relationships with countless families, teachers, and community members. Now that I am joining LCMS, words cannot express how excited I am to both reconnect with my former students and their families as well as form new relationships with the rest of Bobcat Nation. The transition from elementary school to middle school can be challenging, even scary, but I am here to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. I believe that relationships are the foundation of education, and it is my goal to ensure all students feel cared for, loved, and safe while at school.
I am here to support our students in any way I can. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding your child’s education. This is going to be an extraordinary year as we continue building on all the amazing things we have accomplished as a community.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (7TH GRADE): Rodney Redd
Greetings Bobcats! I am extremely honored and excited to be joining the team at Louisa County Middle School. Although this will be my first year joining Louisa County Public Schools as an employee, my family and I have called Louisa County home for over ten years and we absolutely love it here. It is a privilege to be able to serve our wonderful community in my role as an assistant principal at Louisa County Middle School.
I have worked in and around the field of education for 19 years and have had a variety of experiences. In the earlier portion of my career, I worked as a special education teacher, high school football coach, and collegiate football coach. For the past six years, I have served as a Director of Student Activities and as an assistant principal for Charlottesville City Schools. I believe in being a lifelong learner, and I have been fortunate to attend some wonderful institutions. I received my Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University, my Master's degree in education from Virginia State University, and my certificate in K-12 administration and supervision from Longwood University. I am currently working on my Doctorate in Leadership Studies at the University of Lynchburg.
In addition to supporting students and teachers in the academic setting, I believe in fostering growth and development in all members of our school community. I look forward to building positive relationships and a rapport with all of you. Please feel free to reach out to me if I can help you in any way. GO BOBCATS!
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (8TH GRADE): Tina Tapp
I am so excited to have the opportunity to join Louisa County Middle School as the 8th-grade assistant principal. It is a privilege to be working with such a caring and dedicated staff and community. I look forward to assisting in the great work that is going forward here every day. I am coming to Louisa from the mountains of Southwest VA where I was a “Bobcat” in Radford for most of my life. This school year marks my 28th year as a dedicated educator. I have taught many subjects such as English, Theatre Arts, and Journalism to students in grades 7-12. I have also served as the Division Director of Testing as well as the Truancy Coordinator.
I am and always will be a lifelong learner. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in English Education from Radford University in 1994, a Master’s degree in creative writing from Hollins University in 2000, and Longwood University in 2019 where I received my Educational Leadership Degree. I am also very proud to have received my National Board Certification in 2013.
I am very passionate about the 5 Cs of education. Technology and project-based learning have changed how teachers are thinking about instruction and assessment in today’s classrooms. Having a mindset that embodies the 5Cs is critical for our students to successfully participate in an evolving workforce.
The achievement I am the most proud of is raising my two daughters, both of whom will be attending VCU in the fall.
I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Please let me know if I can support you in any way. I have never been more excited to join such a dedicated team of educators and such a warm and welcoming community.
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN: Katie Jones
As a “home-town girl” and Louisa County graduate, it is my honor to be the Administrative Intern at Louisa County Middle School! Together we are a team, and to be our best, it takes the support of every team member. I am elated for the opportunity to reconnect with our community and strengthen our home-school relationships this school year.
I attended Longwood University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and a Master of Science degree in Special Education, General Curriculum. I officially began my teaching career in 2011 in Henrico County as a self-contained teacher for students with Intellectual Disabilities at Hungary Creek Middle School. While there, I was honored to receive the First Year Teacher of the Year Award. After three years in Henrico County and marrying my husband, we decided that we were ready to “go home,” and what better way to do so than to join the Bobcats at LCMS!
Before becoming an administrator in 2021 at LCMS, I taught Special Education Mathematics collaboratively and in a self-contained classroom for seven years. I also taught Math Resource, Remediation, and Summer School classes. I have also served as the Child Study Chair since 2018 and Special Education Department Leader.
I am proud to serve our Bobcats to my greatest capacity and consider myself a servant-leader. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, and I will be pleased to help in any way that I can. I look forward to the new school year and the opportunity to collaborate with you on building a bright future for your children.