Cumberland County 2013 Principal of the Year Announced

Fayetteville – Crystal Brown, principal of Ben Martin Elementary School, has been selected as the 2013 Cumberland County Schools’ Principal of the Year.

Brown now moves on to compete with other local award recipients from the Sandhills/South Central Region of the state.  After the state selection process is completed, one principal will be selected as the 2013 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year.

Brown, who has served as a school administrator for 11 years, started her 16-year career in education after receiving a bachelor’s degree in music education from East Carolina University (Greenville, NC). In 2002, she obtained her master’s degree in school administration from Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, NC). Brown is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC). Throughout her career, she has worked in numerous educational leadership positions and has served as an active member of several professional and community organizations.

As an administrator, Brown describes how she works to establish and maintain a positive emotional climate within her school’s setting: “As a leader, I make certain I am visible, approachable, and available to meet with students and staff members on a daily basis. I am constantly watching and listening to what happens around me in order to ‘take the pulse’ of the school’s climate. The information I obtain is used to create a plan that will constantly motivate staff members to continue to do the best they can to support the students we serve.”  Brown said a part of motivating staff members is making certain their ideas and concerns are heard. “The School Improvement Team and Cadres are empowered to make decisions that impact the school. Their voice is essential in creating and implementing plans for improvement. Staff members feel comfortable expressing their ideas even when they are in opposition to those of their colleagues. Creating a climate where people feel safe to express their concerns enables the school to move forward in a positive direction. At Ben Martin (Elementary School), differences are respected. After all, there is no harmony if we all sing the same note.”

Principals of the Year at the LEA level receive a cash award. The regional Wells Fargo Principals of the Year, who will be announced in February 2013, receive a cash award for their school and a cash award for personal use. The 2013 State Wells Fargo Principal of the Year will receive $3,000 for his or her school and $3,000 for his or her personal use. The winner will be announced in the spring of 2013 at a state event in Raleigh.

--Press Release from Cumberland County Public Schools