Crystal Epps of Mary Scroggs Elementary School (MSES) has been named the 2019-2020 principal of the year by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools system.

Chosen by her peers, Epps will represent CHCCS at the state level for consideration as the North
Carolina Principal of the Year.

Crystal Epps (Photo via CHCCS)

CHCCS Interim Superintendent, Dr. Jim Causby, said that Epps has provided ‘strong, creative leadership’ in the district for many years.

“She blends extensive experience in PBIS, equity work and data analysis with a passion for elevating her school’s culture and identity,” Causby said.

Epps became principal at MSES in 2014, after serving as assistant principal at Frank Porter Graham Elementary School and Rashkis Elementary School.

According to a CHCCS press release, during her time as principal, Epps has led MSES with a sharp focus on culturally proficient instruction and restorative practices in the classrooms.

The release reads “Her emphasis on providing strong professional development and encouraging innovative pedagogy is reflected in two of the past three CHCCS Teachers of the Year coming from MSES, Jasmine Johnson and Eugenia Floyd.”

Epps began her career in education 20 years ago as an elementary grades teacher in the Bronx, N.Y., after earning a B.S. at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an M.A. in Elementary Education from Mercy College.

Moving to North Carolina in 2003, she took teaching positions in Burlington and Efland before accepting her first CHCCS classroom at Ephesus Elementary School. She left Ephesus to join the
planning team that helped open Morris Grove Elementary, where she was named the 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year.

Photo via WTOC.

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