An Orange County Schools leader is North Carolina's newest principal of the year.

Jason Johnson won the 2025 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year on Friday at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary.

Other WRAL Top Stories

Johnson is the principal of Orange High School and has been an educator for 27 years. He became principal after spending five years as a system-level administrator, coaching other principals in the district.

During Johnson's tenure, the school has posted academic growth and improved student performance across all racial groups.

In his acceptance speech, Johnson said all students can achieve and encouraged equity as a part of the mission of student success.

He also said engaging parents is essential.

"The truth is we must walk hand-in-hand with our parents to support our students at school," Johnson said. "Without the partnership ... public education will struggle, and our students will feel the impact the most."

Johnson emphasized the inequalities at the origin of public schools' segregated founding and said schools have come far but must still work toward supporting all students.

"Jason Johnson’s breadth of leadership not only as a school leader, but also in the classroom, district office and even NCDPI, speaks volumes to his talent as an educator," state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green said in a news release announcing Johnson's victory.

Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones called Johnson a "visionary leader" who sets high expectations and encourages continuous improvement.

"His ability to motivate teachers and engage students is unmatched," Jones said.

Like the state's teacher of the year, Johnson, as principal of the year, will travel North Carolina as an ambassador for the profession.

Johnson won among eight other finalists:

  • John Lassiter, Hertford Grammar School in Perquimans County Schools
    • Christy Propst, Morehead City Elementary School at Camp Glenn in Carteret County Schools
      • Laura Bailey, Scotland High School of Scotland County Schools
        • Ronnie Hewitt, Liberty Drive Elementary School, of Thomasville City Schools
          • Kelly Withrow, Battleground Elementary School, of Lincoln County Schools
            • Jessica Anthony, Davenport A+ Elementary School, of Caldwell County Schools
              • Karley Wells, Clyde Elementary School, of Haywood County Schools
                • Jake Wilson, Mountain Island Charter School