Achievers & Accolades

CCS Principals complete Distinguished Leadership Program

By Staff Report, posted 1 year ago

Four distinguished principals from Cumberland County Schools (CCS) have recently completed the Distinguished Leadership in Practice Program (DLP). This year-long leadership development program, designed by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals' Association (NCPAPA) and sponsored by the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD), brings together practicing school principals from all regions of the state.

The following principals from CCS have successfully completed the program:

 

  • Hannah Gray, Principal of E.E. Miller Elementary
  • Phyllis Jackson, Principal of South View High School
  • Dr. Juelle McDonald, Principal of Pine Forest High School
  • Tianna O'Brien, Principal of J. W. Coon Elementary

The DLP utilizes a non-traditional professional development model that aligns with the performance evaluation standards adopted by the State Board of Education for North Carolina’s school leaders. This cohort-based program is designed to limit principals’ time away from their schools by scheduling face-to-face sessions once every other month, complemented by online assignments, materials and coaching between sessions. Throughout the year-long experience, principals engage in a series of authentic activities aimed at building the capacity of their schools and enhancing their own leadership skills as “Distinguished” school leaders.

CCS Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. acknowledged the achievements of these principals, stating in a press release, "We are thankful for their leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, which ultimately enhances student success and supports them as they lead their schools."

The North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals’ Association (NCPAPA), established in 1976, is the leading organization and state voice for principals, assistant principals and aspiring school leaders.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Camden Commons: A new era of retail and commercial growth in Hope Mills

The project, named Camden Commons, features a sprawling mixed-use development campus ready-made for new business at the intersection of Camden and Rockfish Roads. A Super Target store has been announced as one of the anchor tenants on the site.


Publisher's note: Pick up the torch

GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUIn the fall of 2025, I was approached to be a judge for the Better Business Bureau’s 2026 award series. Like many of you in the community, I didn’t realize that the BBB had its own awards, and I was excited t


Excellence as a standard: Inside Dr. Tamara Colvin's path to becoming director of the FSU HUB

As the director of the FSU HUB, Dr. Tamara Colvin is responsible for strategic and operational leadership to provide impactful support to emerging entrepreneurs and existing small businesses. Photo provided by Colvin.Fayetteville Cumberland Regional