About Us

About Ms. Lauri

Ms. Lauri is the proud principal of Porter Ridge Elementary School, appointed in June 2026.

Ms. Lauri has spent the past 24 years working in education and serving in many different roles. She began her career as a classroom teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and joined Union County Public Schools in 2008. She earned her degree in elementary education from UNC Charlotte and later completed her master’s in curriculum and instruction with a focus on reading from Grand Canyon University. In 2013, she continued her education by earning her administrative license from Wingate University.

For 14 years, Ms. Lauri was part of the Wingate Elementary family, where she served as a teacher, instructional content facilitator, and assistant principal. Ms. Lauri served as the principal of Poplin Elementary from 2022-2026. Ms. Lauri leads with a passion for curriculum and instruction to support both students and staff as learners and leaders. Most of all, she thrives on the school culture created that is built on strong relationships with students, families and the community.

Outside of school, Ms. Lauri lives in Indian Trail with her twin boys, who attend Western Carolina University. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, relaxing at the beach, and playing sports outside with her boys and their Great Dane, Harley.

Degrees and Certifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
• Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master's Degree in Administration

Contact Ms. Lauri

• Email: shanda.lauri@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Glahn

Mrs. Glahn has been in education for 19 years. Prior to being an assistant principal, she served as a school counselor for 17 years. She began her career in education in 2007 with Union County Public Schools, serving as a founding faculty member at Rocky River Elementary, and she transitioned to Poplin Elementary in 2011. Mrs. Glahn completed her undergraduate degree in sociology at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. She then continued her education with her master of education in school counseling and development at Winthrop University. In 2018, Mrs. Glahn continued her education and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with an administrative license. 

Mrs. Glahn has enjoyed being a part of the Poplin community for the past 15 years and is thrilled to be able to continue that partnership in her role as assistant principal. She is looking forward to continuing Poplin’s history of growing learners and leaders. 

Mrs. Glahn resides in Waxhaw with her husband and two daughters, who are students of Union County Public Schools. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading and watching her daughters in competitive dance and cheerleading. 

Contact Mrs. Glahn

• Email: jennifer.glahn@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Polk

Mrs. Jalonda Polk began her career in education in 2002 with Anson County Schools and then transitioned to Union County Public Schools in July of 2006. She has been a pre-kindergarten teacher, first-grade teacher, summer school teacher, administrative intern, and assistant principal. 

During her time in the public school system, she has also taught Adult High School classes for South Piedmont Community College. Mrs. Polk loves to be involved in the learning process for children and adults and she is a lifelong learner. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from North Carolina A&T State University and her master’s degree in School Administration from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Mrs. Polk resides in Wingate with her husband, Jercoby and daughters, Bobbi and Baylee. She enjoys spending time with her family and is active in her church.

Contact Mrs. Polk

• Email: jalonda.polk@ucps.k12.nc.us