John Harris Succeeding Devan Nicely
Enderly Heights Elementary School will begin the 2026-27 school year under new leadership this fall, with John Harris set to take over as principal following the departure of Dr. Devan Nicely.
Harris, who has served as a health and physical education teacher in Waynesboro City Schools since 2017, was introduced to the Buena Vista community at last month’s School Board meeting.
He also completed an administrative internship with Waynesboro City Schools, where he gained handson experience conducting walkthroughs, coordinating intervention programs and supporting professional development — experience that Superintendent Heather Ault said aligns well with the needs and goals of Enderly Heights.
In a statement to the News-Gazette, Harris described the appointment as both an honor and a weighty responsibility. “I am humbled, honored, and excited to be named the next principal of Enderly Heights,” he said. “I view being an educational leader as both a privilege and a great responsibility, and I am looking forward to serving and becoming an active member of Buena Vista.”
Harris said he is ready to hit the ground running alongside the school’s students, families and staff. “I am eager to work alongside our students, families, faculty, staff, and community partners to continue building on the school’s current success,” he said. “I believe in leading by example, fostering strong relationships, and creating an environment where every child can thrive.”
He also took time to acknowledge the people who helped bring him to this point. “I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me and for the many people who have supported me throughout my journey,” Harris said. “I would especially like to thank my wife and three children for their unwavering love, encouragement, and sacrifices, as well as the mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who have helped shape me into the person, educator, and leader I am today.”
Ault announced the appointment in a letter to Enderly staff in late March, describing Harris as someone known for a “collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and ability to build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and the community.” Harris visited the school on March 30 to meet staff ahead of his official start this fall, and Ault expressed confidence that he would carry forward the school’s tradition of excellence while bringing fresh energy to the role.
Harris’s predecessor, Dr. Nicely, is moving to Parry McCluer Middle School as principal, where he will help oversee the school’s anticipated relocation to the Parry McCluer High School building — a transition Ault described as “potentially significant.” Ault praised Nicely’s tenure at Enderly Heights and said his familiarity with the division’s rising sixth- and seventh-graders made him a strong fit for the middle school role at a pivotal moment.
