The schools districts of Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools each announced some new principal additions in recent days.
Orange County Schools’ Board of Education unanimously approved two principal selections during a meeting on July 10 — one of which is an administrator who will switch roles shortly after earning a new one. The board approved Kristin Mattison-Williamson to lead Pathways Elementary School starting this year, just more than one month after initially being appointed to fill the principal role at A.L. Stanback Middle School. In a release, the district said the change was needed after current principal Lynn Brown shared retirement plans and a replacement for the upcoming school year was necessary.
Prior to that appointment, Mattison-Williamson was an assistant principal at Central Elementary School.
Kristin Mattison-Williamson. (Photo via Orange County Schools.)
“I deeply love and connect to this local community; any opportunity to serve is an honor and blessing,” she said in Tuesday’s release. “Serving at A.L. Stanback has been a joy, and I am excited to transition to Pathways Elementary as our new principal!
“My vision is centered on what is best for students,” Mattison-Williamson added. “All students should feel welcome, valued, respected, encouraged, and enjoy their educational experiences. I look forward to building relationships, collaborating, and supporting the excellent staff, students, and families of Pathways Elementary School.”
To fill the vacant position at A.L. Stanback, Superintendent Monique Felder suggested Jalen Brown — an administrator from Cleveland, Ohio. Brown’s background includes teaching middle school, as well as time as an assistant principal for elementary and middle schools. This past year, he also served as an interim principal for a middle school in his hometown district.
In a message to A.L. Stanback staff and families, Brown said he made education a priority for himself and others based on his experience in a single-parent household and the eldest of seven siblings.
Jalen Brown. (Photo via Orange County Schools.)
“As an educator in the classroom,” he wrote, “I was determined to be a role model for students and serve as an example of what dreaming and goal-setting could do in one’s life. As an administrator committed to my own professional learning, one of my many goals is to continue to be a role model for both staff and students.
“My personal mission,” added Brown, “is to ensure that all students enjoy coming to school and thrive in a safe and positive learning environment. Incorporating more restorative practices, intentionally building relationships, partnering with parents, and being a good listener will allow me optimal success in serving and leading our school.”
Meanwhile, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools announced a new principal for one of its elementary schools on July 17. The district’s Board of Education approved the selection of Princess Pressley as the latest leader for Rashkis Elementary School in Chapel Hill.
Pressley has more than two decades of experience in education, working in districts across Guilford, Wake, Durham and Forsyth counties. Most recently, Pressley was named the principal of Southwest Elementary Global Academy in the Lexington City Schools district two years ago.
Princess Pressley (Photo via Lexington City Schools.)
“I am honored to become a member of the Rashkis school community,” Pressley said in a message to families following her approval. “I am looking forward to meeting the students, families and staff, and to all of the wonderful memories we will create together! I am grateful to Dr. Hamlett and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education for entrusting me to serve the Rashkis community.”
Pressley will succeed Tiffany Newsome, who was tabbed to lead Rashkis Elementary in 2020 but left the school for a faculty position at the University of North Texas in recent months.
CHCCS said there will be two opportunities for Rashkis students and families to get to know their new principal ahead of the school year. The elementary school will hold meet-and-greets on Friday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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