School Leadership

DJ Carswell, Principal

RAIDERS!! I am so pumped to serve as the principal of East Burke Middle School and as a member of the Raider nation! I have lived and worked in Burke County most of my life and am a graduate of East Burke High School. During my first eight years in education I had the privilege of teaching at George Hildebrand and East Burke Middle School. For the past five years, I have served in an administrative role in both Caldwell and Catawba Counties. Currently I reside in Burke County with my wife Betsy of 16 years who is a hairstylist and our 3 children Braleigh, Bentley, and Berkley.

Working to build relationships with students, parents, teachers and the community of eastern Burke County tops my list. I want students to achieve academic success and also work to find what they want to be as a productive participant in our community for years to come. In my time in education I have learned that the “whole” student is more important than just what they can achieve in a specific class. My goal is to develop students with great character so they are good people, not just learners.

I look forward to serving this community and being able to give back a portion of what it gave me. Reach out at any time! My contact information is listed below.

Sincerely,
DJ Carswell
[email protected]
828-397-7446

Deanna Minetola
Assistant Principal

Good day Raiders! My name is Deanna Minetola and I am excited to become an Assistant Principal for the Raider Nation! My husband and I have lived and worked in Burke County for 25 years. I have worked in all levels of the BCPS school system for the last 24 years. I have worked at the elementary level in Hillcrest, Chesterfield, Hallyburton, and Drexel. After that I moved to Heritage Middle and finally on to Patton High.

I believe that relationships are the foundations of education and are the most impactful way to help students achieve their full potential. I look forward to helping EBMS become the best middle school in the system. Please reach out if you need any assistance.

Deanna Minetola
[email protected]
828-397-7446

Rodney Pyatte
Assistant Principal

My name is Rodney Pyatte. I’m excited to be joining the team at EBMS. I’m a graduate of Appalachian State and Queen's University. I have worked in education for 15 years. I grew up in Drexel and graduated from East Burke High School. Outside of school, I love spending time with my wife and two kids.

Rodney Pyatte
[email protected]
828-397-7446

East BurkeMiddle School

School Leadership