Jason Johnson, Orange High School principal, is the 2025 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year. The announcement was made today at an awards luncheon honoring Johnson and eight other regional finalists at the Umstead Hotel in Cary.

A 27-year veteran educator, Johnson has been a leader across North Carolina not only in Orange County Schools, but also served as a teacher and principal in Chatham and Guilford County Schools, respectively. Additionally, Johnson spent time at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) as a School Transformation Coach before returning to Orange County Schools.

“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,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green said. “It is evident that Jason is dedicated to developing teacher leaders and fostering student success regardless of their postgraduate pursuits.”

In his current role, Johnson led the Orange County Panthers to exceed growth in 2023-24 and improve a letter grade while increasing overall proficiency amongst all racial groups. Johson spent five years at Orange County Schools’ central office coaching and providing leadership to principals across the district.

“Jason Johnson is a visionary leader who understands the complexities involved in overall school improvement,” Orange County Schools Superintendent Dr. 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.”

Johnson's leadership philosophy comes to life through the intentional practices and initiatives he has helped build. Together with his administration, Johnson developed a strong academic focus through strategically aligned and revamped Collaborative Teams to ensure all students master essential instructional strategies. Fostering student voice, students are asked to complete a survey to reflect on their year and share strengths and areas for growth in the coming school year. Johnson fosters teacher leadership through opportunities like the Guiding Coalition team and regular professional development.

“Wells Fargo is proud to continue our support for the Principal of the Year program, which celebrates and honors educators and administrators like Jason Johnson,” said Juan Austin, Community Impact and Sustainability Senior Manager for Wells Fargo. “We take action to create meaningful progress for customers and communities across North Carolina.”

Johnson will spend the 2025-26 school year traveling the state as an ambassador for the profession, with financial support from Wells Fargo and NCDPI. He will receive a mobile device from Lenovo, an engraved award, a gift from the Carolina Hunger Initiative and a custom-made NC Principal of the Year signet ring from Jostens. He will also have the opportunity to participate in the Truist Leadership Institute and a seminar at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, as well as attend the International Society for Technology in Education conference.

“Working with students, teachers and families is at the heart of who I am as an educational leader,” Johnson shared in his application. “My experiences at Central Office and the other jobs that I had over the years helped me realize my passion for building leadership capacity in others. … My heart and soul is building teacher leaders and a collaborative culture at my school.”

In addition, Johnson will compete nationally for the honor of the National Association of Secondary School Principals Distinguished Principal of the Year.

Johnson was recognized alongside eight additional regional Principal of the Year finalists. These school leaders were also recognized today:

• Northeast: Dr. John Lassiter, Hertford Grammar School (Perquimans County Schools)
• Southeast: Christy Propst, Morehead City Elementary School at Camp Glenn (Carteret County Schools)
• Sandhills: Dr. Laura Bailey, Scotland High School (Scotland County Schools)
• Piedmont Triad: Ronnie Hewitt, Liberty Drive Elementary School (Thomasville City Schools)
• Southwest: Kelly Withrow, Battleground Elementary School (Lincoln County Schools)
• Northwest: Dr. Jessica Anthony, Davenport A+ Elementary School (Caldwell County Schools)
• Western: Karley Wells, Clyde Elementary School (Haywood County Schools)
• Charter School: Dr. Jake Wilson, Mountain Island Charter School in Mount Holly, NC

North Carolina has recognized outstanding principals through its Principal of the Year program since the 1980s, helping promote the profession through advocacy and support while recognizing principals who are implementing best practices in schools across North Carolina.

Please visit the NC Principal of the Year website to learn more about this recognition program.