Union County principal named 2011 NC Principal of the Year | Schools

WAXHAW - Cuthbertson High School Principal Rob Jackson was named the 2011 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year during a ceremony in Cary, NC Wednesday night.

Jackson, who was one of eight finalists from across the state, is the first Union County Public Schools principal to be awarded the state title.

North Carolina State Superintendent June Atkinson commended Jackson, saying, "I'm continually impressed by the instructional leaders in our public schools."

"Rob exemplifies what it takes to be a great leader: dedication to his staff's success, genuine interest in each student, faithfulness to community involvement, and a driving commitment to academic achievement," Atkinson added.

"Rob understands the importance of graduating students career and college ready in a global economy," said State Board of Education Chairman Bill Harrison. "Through Cuthbertson High's rigorous academics and interactive technology, he works to empower students to be leaders and conduits to change in a global community," Harrison said.

Jackson attributes the academic success Cuthbertson High has achieved to his firm belief that students are both valued and valuable. "One of my greatest joys to date has been the graduation of three of my juniors last year who were told by their former schools' principals that they were too far behind to graduate with their peers," Jackson said. "These students didn't give up, and their teachers didn't give up. Through a lot of hard work by all, they were able to graduate on time. Students are worthy of our very best."

The eight inalists for the award were:
•  North Central Region: Elizabeth Shearer, City of Medicine Academy (Durham Public Schools);
•  Northeast Region: Diane Newbern, Currituck County High (Currituck County Schools);
•  Northwest Region: Sandy George, Mount Airy High (Mount Airy City Schools);
•  Southeast Region: Lisa Tart, Grantham School (Wayne County Schools);
•  Southwest Region: Rob Jackson, Cuthbertson High (Union County Schools);
•  Sandhills/South Central Region: Cory Satterfield, Richmond Senior High (Richmond County Schools);
•  Piedmont-Triad/Central Region: Anna Brady, Grimsley High (Guilford County Schools); and
•  West Region: Marcia Perry, Haw Creek Elementary (Buncombe County Schools).

Each regional finalist received $1,000 for their school and $1,000 for personal use.

Jackson received an additional $3,000 for his school and $3,000 for personal use. He will be the first North Carolina Principal of the Year to receive a scholarship for a 10-day educational tour of China.

Jackson will also be appointed to the State Superintendent's Principals' Advisory Committee, serve a one-year term as advisor to the State Board of Education, serve a one-year term on the Board of Directors for the NC Public School Forum, and will chair the 2012 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year Selection Committee.

The Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year program is sponsored in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.