My name is Gary Cone and this is my sixth year as the principal of the Paisley IB Panthers. I was born in Maryland at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. My parents are from Wake County; my dad was in the Navy and my mom was an active volunteer in the many schools I attended.
My background as an educator includes a number of positions as a school administrator in Caswell, Wake, Cabarrus, and Watagua counties. I have also taught high school English, middle school language arts and social studies in Chapel Hill, Nash, and Watauga counties, as well as in Stuttgart Germany with the Department of Defense Schools.
I am married to Natacha Cone, a native of Belgium. I have three sons, Wes, Carson, and Caleb, as well as two stepchildren, Tyler and Hannah. I love to play basketball, run, and read. My favorite author is Louis L'Amour; although, my favorite book is Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
I have a BA in English from the College of William and Mary, as well as a masters degree and doctorate from Appalachian State University.
I firmly believe in the power of education, especially public schools, as a way for children to develop their fullest potential. I am fortunate to belong to a profession where I can see first hand students every day learning about the world around them, acquiring new habits and skills, and determining the important, positive roles they will play in making their local and global environments better places for all of us.
If I can ever be of help to you as a student, parent, or other member of our Paisley community, please do not hesitate to contact me.
