Carrboro High School Principal Helena Thomas Reassigned; Interim To Be Named Later

Carrboro High School principal Helena Thomas is being reassigned to a new role within the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Instructional Services Division, per a release from superintendent Rodney Trice Thursday afternoon. The move will go into effect Monday, July 21.

“This change is intended to support Carrboro High School in restoring stability and strengthening operations following a period of protracted disruptions,” read Trice’s statement.

The “disruptions” referenced by the school district include a walkout protest staged by both Carrboro High students and parents in May against Thomas’ leadership. The demonstration followed a letter on behalf of more than 70 staff members alleging mistreatment and poor communication from the school administration. Thomas was later suspended with pay and barred from the school’s graduation ceremony.

The Chapel Hill-Carrboro branch of the NAACP spoke out in favor of Thomas, a Black woman, asking the district to give her due process. They also criticized the decision to place her on paid leave. The school district later clarified that Thomas’ paid leave was not a disciplinary measure. Vickie Feaster Fornville, a member of the CHCCS Board of Education, denied that the board or the district knew anything about the allegations against Thomas that the public was unaware of.

Helena Thomas’ leadership at Carrboro High School was criticized by students, parents and staff. (Image via Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools)

Trice said the district reviewed “a range of concerns” raised by students, parents and staff about Thomas’ leadership. However, he said the district did not find evidence of misconduct or intentional wrongdoing on her part. Still, Trice acknowledged “a fresh start with a change in leadership is necessary to ensure we are meeting the needs of staff, students and families with confidence and clarity.”

“I want to express my appreciation to Dr. Thomas for her service to Carrboro High and her continued service to our school district,” Trice went on to say. “I am grateful that she will remain part of the CHCCS team in a new capacity.”

Associate principal Diego Mureño and assistant principal Tracey Lockhart will remain on staff for the 2025-26 school year. Trice said the district is currently finalizing a plan to name an interim principal at Carrboro High.

Featured image via Carrboro High School

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

‹

Top Stories of 2021: The Return to In-Person Learning and its Mental Toll

To reflect on the year, Chapelboro.com is re-publishing some of the top stories that impacted and defined our community’s experience in 2021. These stories and topics affected Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the rest of our region. After more than a year of virtual learning, students of all ages returned to the classroom this year. Orange […]

Speaking of Schools: Dr. Nyah Hamlett of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

Superintendent of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Dr. Nyah Hamlett joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Monday, October 18. They discuss the mental health of students and educators in the district, as well as an update on this at the upcoming school board meeting. Plus: details on how the district has fared with COVID-19 prevention measures in place.

2025 Candidate Introductions: Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board Of Education

The 2025 race for the CHCCS Board of Education appears to be straightforward, with three candidates for three seats. Hear from each one.

Orange County Discusses Bond Projects and State Budget Delay With Local School Boards

The Orange County Board of Commissioners recently held a joint meeting with the local school boards to hear updates from each district.

Student Fights at East Chapel Hill High School Injure 5 Staff Members; Incidents Under Investigation

A pair of fights between students at East Chapel Hill High School on Friday led to several responding staff injuries and disruption.

CHCCS Board Holds Preliminary Conversation for Hypothetical Elementary School Closure

The Board of Education for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools recently met to hear a presentation about closing one of its elementary schools.

CHCCS Superintendent Trice Shares Excitement, Details New Cellphone Policy Ahead of New School Year

Monday will mark the first CHCCS school year under Superintendent Rodney Trice's leadership. He joined 97.9 The Hill to discuss.

Speaking of Schools: CHCCS Superintendent Rodney Trice on the New School Year

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Rodney Trice joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, August 19.

Carrboro High School Enters 2025-26 School Year With New Leadership Team

CHCCS announced veteran educator Valerie Akins would step into the interim principal role for Carrboro High for the 2025-26 calendar.

Carrboro High School Principal Helena Thomas Reassigned; Interim To Be Named Later

Carrboro High School principal Helena Thomas is being reassigned to a new role within the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Instructional Services Division, per a release from superintendent Rodney Trice Thursday afternoon. The move will go into effect Monday, July 21. “This change is intended to support Carrboro High School in restoring stability and strengthening operations […]

›