Principal, specialist recognized for work
By Staff Reports
Published in News on October 1, 2016 10:09 PM
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Full SizeThe Principals and Assistants' Association of Wayne County Public Schools has recognized two outstanding administrators.
Kevin Smith, principal at Spring Creek Middle School, was named WCPS 2016 Principal of the Year, and Christy Straughan-Haley, elementary curriculum specialist at Brogden Primary, was named 2016 elementary curriculum specialist of the year.
Smith became principal at the new middle school when it opened in 2015. Prior to that he had served in the role at Rosewood Middle for three years and was assistant principal at Spring Creek High for four.
During his 22 years in education, he has also been a teacher at Charles B. Aycock High and Norwayne Middle. He holds a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in school administration.
The principal of the year distinction is part of the Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year program.
At the local level, he will receive $150 and go on to represent the district at the regional Principal of the Year program. There is also a state competition next spring.
"Mr. Smith is a highly effective school administrator and is very much deserving of this award," WCPS Superintendent Michael Dunsmore said. "He was nominated by his peers and selected for this award because of his character and commitment to providing the best education possible for students.
"We wish him the very best as he moves on to the next stage of the Principal of the Year program."
The PAPA organization also began giving out the award for elementary curriculum specialist of the year in 2007, to recognize an outstanding assistant principal or elementary curriculum specialist who has proven to be hard working, dedicated to meeting student needs, and goes above and beyond what is required.
Mrs. Straughan-Haley earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and K-12 reading, a master's degree in education instruction and a certification in school administration.
She began her career in education in 1993, as an interim resource teacher for grades 6-9 at Norwayne Middle School. Over the next 20 years, she worked in three school districts around the state, as a teacher, a literacy coach and a curriculum facilitator.
She moved into the administration role in 2013, as assistant principal at Brogden Middle, where she served until joining Brogden Primary this fall.
The superintendent also extended congratulations on behalf of the district.
"Mrs. Straughan-Haley was selected be her peers for this award because of her dedication and leadership as a school administrator," Dunsmore said.
Both will be recognized locally during Monday night's Board of Education meeting.