
Phone: 919-857-9500
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Carla Jernigan-Baker - Interim Principal
Mrs. Jernigan-Baker retired from WCPSS in 2022. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success and supporting educators. During her 35 years in this district, she served as a math teacher and coach at Ligon Middle and Wake Forest-Rolesville High. Mrs. Jernigan-Baker was an assistant principal at Green Hope High, and served as the principal of Reedy Creek Middle, Knightdale High, and Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She is a proud Wolfpack fan and graduate of NCSU with degrees in Mathematics Education and School Administration.
Although she has a strong commitment to education, Mrs. Jernigan-Baker has several other career interests that have included real estate and event planning. She is currently a yoga teacher at Serasana in Holly Springs, NW Cary YMCA, Raleigh Yoga Center, and Cisco. She also teaches chair yoga for seniors in Fuquay and Apex.
Mrs. Jernigan-Baker loves to travel, and she enjoys spending time with her family. If she is not serving as an interim administrator or in a yoga class, she is probably working in the yard or taking care of her many house plants.
As the interim principal, Mrs. Jernigan-Baker will be on campus 3.5 days each week (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays and half day on Thursdays). You can reach her via email and the school office number. She is looking forward to working closely with Walnut Creek community to make it a special place for our students and families.
Phone: 919-857-9500
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Dr. Curtis Cotton III - Assistant Principal
Dr. Curtis Cotton III is honored to begin his third year as one of the assistant principals at Walnut Creek Elementary School. Dr. Cotton believes every child can achieve and exceed expectations as a result of an appropriate environment, healthy relationships, and consistency. He began his career in Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools as a middle school band teacher and currently has 14 years of educating experience, including 6 years of school administration at both the elementary and secondary levels. Since his arrival, Dr. Cotton has enjoyed connecting with families and collaborating with school staff and district leaders to foster school-wide improvements.
Dr. Cotton is an active member of the Wake County Division of Principals and Assistant Principals and the NC Association of Educators. He recently obtained his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and seeks to work with beginning teachers and beginning assistant principals to strengthen their practices and leadership. Beyond the scope of the school, Dr. Cotton loves spending time with his family, working on home improvement projects, and participating in community service.