Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson was named the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year Friday afternoon.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction named the 27-year educator its winner of the annual competition at a luncheon in Cary with the other regional finalists and several Orange County Schools leaders.
During his acceptance speech, Johnson credited his students and staff, choking back tears as he thanked them and said the award belongs to the entire Orange County community. He also thanked Ann Osburn, who hired him as a first-time assistant principal at A.L. Stanback Middle School in 2001.
“When I spoke to her after I was selected as the regional Principal of The Year, I said, ‘Thank you for giving me the chance.,’ And she responded, ‘Jason, all you needed was an opportunity.’ That struck my heart because what I heard was, ‘Jason, you were qualified — all you needed was an opportunity.’ This is a powerful reminder that our students, especially our students of color, do not just need a chance…they need an opportunity. Every student and staff member comes to the table with unique gifts and talents. They just need an opportunity to thrive.”
“Jason Johnson’s breadth of leadership not only as a school leader, but also in the classroom, district office and even NCDPI, speaks volumes to his talent as an educator,” North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green said in an NCDPI release. “It is evident that Jason is dedicated to developing teacher leaders and fostering student success regardless of their postgraduate pursuits.”
Johnson’s professional path led him back to the Orange High School Panthers community in 2021 — returning to the school he led from 2012 to 2016. During that gap, he worked as the Director of Secondary Instruction for the school district and a school transformation coach for the state Department of Public Instruction. Johnson also previously served as a principal and educator in the Guilford County and Chatham County schools systems, respectively, but 20 years of his work in public education has been spent within the Orange County district.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the high school navigated a return to in-person instruction after the COVID-19 pandemic and saw several key improvements to student performance. The high school experienced strong growth in the 2023-24 academic year, including increasing overall proficiency among all racial demographics. Additionally, his attitude in the job has played a big role in building the Panther culture, according to the school district.
“Jason Johnson is a visionary leader who understands the complexities involved in overall school improvement,” Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones said. “His ability to motivate teachers and engage students is unmatched. He instills a sense of community within his school, promoting a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement.”
After winning the district Principal of The Year honor in October, Johnson went on to win the North Central Regional Principal of The Year. From there, Johnson went through the interview and portfolio review process with NCDPI and the award selection committee.
The statewide win means Johnson will have a busy year ahead, as he will travel to serve as an ambassador for public education across North Carolina and country. The Orange High principal will also serve as an advisor for two years to the state Board of Education and serve on the North Carolina Public School Forum’s board of directors. In addition to a cash prize and state vehicle to use for travel, he will also have the opportunity to enter for the National Principal of the Year award.
The statewide Principal of the Year Award was introduced in 1984, with Wells Fargo as the presenting sponsor, to celebrate and recognize the jobs principals play in creating a culture of academic excellent and a supporting learning environment. In total, more than 3,400 principals have been recognized at the district level through the award program — with Johnson being the 41st to win the statewide title.
Johnson thanked the prior North Carolina Principal of The Year, Becky Spears, for her guidance through the award process and said he would not stop relying on her wisdom.
“As I — along with the other regional Principals of The Year — embark on this journey, your mentorship will be invaluable,” he said.
Featured photo via Orange County Schools.
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.
Orange High School’s Jason Johnson Named 2025 North Carolina Principal of the Year Chapelboro.com.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Orange High School’s Jason Johnson Named 2025 North Carolina Principal of the Year )
Also on site :
- Harris Dickinson On The Inspiration For Cannes Directing Debut ‘Urchin’ And Why Upcoming John Lennon Role Is His “Every Day Right Now”
- Pursuit of stolen car ends with suspect crashing in North Highlands
- Podcaster Calls for 'Trigger Warning' After Cassie's Violent Testimony