The new school year brings new leadership in familiar faces to Greenbrier East High School (GEHS).

Ben Routson, who previously served as assistant principal and athletic director at the school, has been named head principal. Filling his position as assistant principal is Deborah McClintic, who previously served in the capacity of school counselor.

“Mr. Routson is a strong leader and a caring and dedicated administrator. The knowledge and experience he has gained throughout his career, especially as an assistant principal at Greenbrier East, combined with his deep commitment to the success of school’s students and staff, are enormous assets,” states Superintendent Jeff Bryant.

In 2003, Routson began his teaching career in Greenbrier County, teaching at Smoot Elementary, Williamsburg Elementary, and Crichton Elementary over the course of six years. Routson taught physical education and health at Greenbrier East High from 2005 to 2012 before beginning his first administrative assignment in 2012 at Western Middle School where he served first as assistant principal and then principal. In October, 2014, he accepted the position of assistant principal and athletic director at Greenbrier East High School and has served in the position until being hired as the school’s principal. Routson also coached baseball at GEHS for eight years, two years as an assistant and six years as a head coach. He served as an assistant football coach at East for three years under Mike Michael.

“I consider Greenbrier East my home away from home and I am very excited for the opportunity to serve as principal of this great school,” said Routson.

Routson graduated from Edwardsburg High School in Edwardsburg, MI, in 1993 and went on to graduate from Salem Teikyo University in Salem, WV in 1999 with a BA in Physical Education and later added an endorsement for Health. He earned a MA in Leadership Studies from Marshall University in 2007 and is now in his 18th year as an educator. He resides in Lewisburg with his wife and daughter.

Routson’s advancement to head principal created an assistant principal vacancy at GEHS. Greenbrier County Schools is pleased to announce that Deborah McClintic, who previously served as a counselor at Greenbrier East High School, has been selected to fill that position. McClintic earned a BA, MA, and education specialist degree in educational leadership from Marshall University. She has worked as a school counselor for over 20 years, serving the students of Greenbrier County for 15 of those years. McClintic holds national counselor certification and West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) certification in counselor, attendance and social services, principal, director, and superintendent. She has further specialized in supervision and holds master mentor teacher credentials through WVDE, as well as ALPS (approved licensed professional supervisor) through the WV Board of Examiners in Counseling.

“Ms. McClintic’s love and enthusiasm for her students and profession are evident in all that she does. Her tremendous experience and insight as a school counselor, school leader, and leader in student government have prepared her well for this position,” states Superintendent Bryant.

McClintic is a 1988 graduate of Greenbrier East High School and resides with her husband and son, with four children in college.

“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve GEHS students and our community in this new leadership role,” said McClintic.