From left are Karen Staunton, Lori Mattson, and Ty Dobbs.

Alleghany Highlands Schools Tap Trusted Team for Key Roles Low Moor, VA (July 15, 2025) - The Alleghany Highlands School Board approved three key administrative appointments on Monday, ensuring continuity and strong leadership as the new school year begins in August. The board voted to appoint Karen Staunton as supervisor of special education, Lori Mattson as principal of Covington Middle School, and Ty Dobbs as assistant principal/athletic director at Alleghany High School. All three appointments are interim and take effect immediately. These leadership changes follow the recent departure of Dr. Jason Conaway, who previously served as director of special education. Dr. Conaway has accepted a new position in West Virginia. “These appointments reflect our commitment to maintaining strong educational leadership and supporting our students, families, and staff as we prepare for a successful start to the 2025-26 school year,” said Jonathan Arritt, chair of the Alleghany Highlands School Board. “They will help ensure a smooth transition after Dr. Conaway’s departure and allow the board to plan effectively for the future.” Staunton brings extensive experience to her new role. Since July 2023, she has served as principal of Covington Middle School and previously led Alleghany High School as principal. Her move to Covington Middle School last year was part of the board’s transition plan during the merger that created Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. Staunton’s prior roles also include serving as assistant principal at both Mountain View Elementary and Alleghany High School, as well as athletic director at AHS. In addition to her administrative leadership, she has been actively involved in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which are customized learning plans that help ensure students with disabilities receive the tailored support and services they need to succeed. Mattson will return to Covington Middle School, where she has been assistant principal since July 2023. She was recently moved to Alleghany High School as assistant principal but will now return to CMS as part of the board’s strategic staffing plan. Before joining AHPS two years ago, Mattson worked with Bedford County Public Schools and developed extensive experience as an athletic director. Dobbs will step into the assistant principal/athletic director role at Alleghany High School, filling the position briefly held by Mattson. He has served as athletic and activities director for AHPS since 2023. Dobbs’ leadership experience includes serving as principal at Sharon Elementary School and previously as assistant principal/athletic director at AHS.   “We are confident that these experienced administrators will provide exceptional leadership and continue to uphold the high standards of education within our division,” Arritt added. “Their dedication to our students and community is invaluable as we look forward to the upcoming school year.” About Alleghany Highlands Public Schools AHPS was established in 2022 through the merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center. Funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington, the division combines local resources to provide efficient, high-quality education for approximately 2,700 students. The new school year begins for students on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Stay informed about AHPS news and events by following AHPS on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and on Instagram at ahpublicschools. For more information, visit www.ahps.k12.va.us.

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