About Mr. Leon

Alfred Leon was named principal of Walter Bickett Elementary School at the June 2022 Board of Education meeting. 

Mr. Leon is a native of Miami, Florida and relocated to North Carolina in June 2016. In Miami, he worked for the Miami Dade County Public Schools system as a teacher and administrator for 12 years.

As a teacher, he taught Mathematics to low-performing students in grades 6-8. He later took on leadership positions, first as Department Chairperson over Special Education and later as Dean of Discipline. He was later promoted to Assistant Principal at Miami Gardens Elementary School. He then relocated to Union County and became assistant principal at East Union Middle School.

Mr. Leon is dedicated to making sure all students are allowed to reach their fullest potential by providing high-quality education to all, no matter the background or situations they come from.

Contact Mr. Leon

• Email: alfred.leon@ucps.k12.nc.us

Contact Ms. James

• Email: sarah.james@ucps.k12.nc.us 

About Ms. Pernas

Ms. Pernas is a native of Miami, Florida, where she graduated from St. Thomas University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and relocated to North Carolina in June 2014. In Miami, she worked for the Miami Dade County Public Schools system as a teacher for one year.

As a teacher, she taught mathematics and Spanish to low-performing second and third grade students. She then relocated to Union County and became an ESL teacher for various schools in Union County, including East Elementary for three years. She then transitioned into a DLI coordinator position within East Elementary. During this time, Ms. Pernas graduated with her master's degree in executive leadership and administration from Gardner Webb University. 

Contact Ms. Pernas

• Email: claudia.pernas@ucps.k12.nc.us

• Dr. Candice Boatright
• 704-296-3062, ext. 4073

• Principal: Alfred Leon
• Representative: Wendy Mobley