The spotlight shone on some of Cumberland County Schools’ (CCS) most exceptional leaders today at the 2026 Summer Leadership Conference, where finalists for the 2027 Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year were announced.
These outstanding educators, who were selected by their peers, represent the very best in leadership, innovation and dedication to student success. The finalists are as follows:
CCS' 2027 Principal of the Year (POY) Finalists
Rachel Andress at William H. Owen Elementary School
Dr. Zakiyyah Backman at Bill Hefner Elementary School
Dr. Tremaine Canteen at Cumberland Academy 6-12 Virtual School
Dr. Juelle McDonald at Pine Forest High School
John E. McMillan at Lewis Chapel Middle School
Marcus Stewart at Sunnyside Elementary School
Dr. Kamal Watkins at District 7 Elementary School
CCS' 2027 Assistant Principal of the Year (APOY) Finalists
Janet Blue at Westover High School
Dr. Kety Clark at Pine Forest Middle School
Dr. Pierre Cobb at Pine Forest High School
Marissa Fux at Cape Fear High School
Amber Gavin at Rockfish Elementary School
Stephen Hall at Douglas Byrd Middle School
Estella Johnson at Cumberland Academy K-5 Virtual School
The excitement will culminate this fall as Cumberland County Schools unveils its 2027 Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year winners during a special event celebrating excellence in education by recognizing the district’s outstanding teachers and school leaders.
CCS' 2027 Principal of the Year Finalists
Pictured above (l-r) are CCS' 2027 POY Finalists Rachel Andress, Ivy Tucker for Dr. Zakiyyah Backman, Dr. Tremaine Canteen, Dr. Juelle McDonald, John E. McMillan, Marcus Stewart, Dr. Kamal Watkins and Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy.
CCS' 2027 Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists
Pictured above (l-r) are CCS' 2027 APOY Finalists Dr. Pierre Cobb, Janet Blue, Dr. Kety Clark, Marissa Fux, Amber Gavin, Estella Johnson and Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy. Stephen Hall is not pictured.