Amy Rickard Is CHCCS Principal Of The Year

CHAPEL HILL – Morris Grove Elementary’s Amy Rickard has been named the 2013 Principal of the Year for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools System.

Rickard says it was a shock when Superintendent Tom Forcella brought her flowers, along with the good news, during a weekly staff meeting.

“He arrived with other members of our District Cabinet and it was a complete surprise!” she says.

Rickard Surprised by Forcella

Rickard’s career in education began as a language arts teacher in Kannapolis City Schools. She then signed on with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools in 1999 as an administrative intern. After serving as an assistant principal at McDougle Elementary and Rashkis Elementary, Rickard served as principal of Glenwood Elementary from 2004-2007.

When Morris Grove Elementary was opened in 2007, she was named as its first principal. Rickard says she’s proud of the school she and her staff have created.

“It was a real honor for me to open Morris Grove Elementary School,” Rickard says. “Planning a school from the ground up is a really unique experience, and to me an honor.”

Rickard earned her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She will now be entered into the Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year competition along with a principal from each district in the state. Following portfolio reviews and personal interviews, eight regional finalists will be named to participate in the state selection process.

Amy Rickard

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