2024-25 Principal of the Year

Dr. Tracey Harrill, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 2024-25 Principal of the Year

Fanfare from Providence High School’s band, cheerleaders, staff and students greeted their principal, Tracey Harrill, Ed.D., at a surprise ceremony where she was named the 2024-25 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Principal of the Year. Dr. Harrill was one of 11 finalists, who represented each of the district’s performance areas.

Dr. Harrill has been with CMS for 32 years, 16 of those as principal for the more than 2,116 students at Providence. Under her leadership, the school has met or surpassed local, state and national benchmarks each year. For the last two years, Providence has held the title of the highest performing comprehensive high school in North Carolina based on growth metrics.

“I am so proud of the work Dr. Harrill continues to do here at Providence High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill, who made the announcement. “She is an outstanding leader and quite deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Dr. Harrill!”

As she took the podium, Dr. Harrill said she was speechless, but she made sure to first thank the teachers and staff at Providence.

“You make my job so much easier,” she said. “We all work together as a team, and I appreciate all the work. The wonderful accolades are because our staff works so hard. Thank you for the honor; I am very humbled.”

Dr. Harrill said the honor was a great surprise for her and makes her feel that her work is being recognized. When asked what makes a good principal, she said a good principal is someone who cares about their teachers and students, is visible in the school, knows what’s going on in classes and can worry about the day’s situation while always planning for what comes next.

“I love my job. It’s a new day of new challenges, and no day is ever the same,” Dr. Harrill said. “If you’re a good principal and you are bored, something is wrong, because the students always have something going on. It’s a very fun job.

Learn more about Dr. Harrill here.

The 11 nominees for CMS Principal of the Year

The principals at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are key leaders at the heart of our work to create an innovative, inclusive, student-centered environment that enables all students to reach their full potential. They bring their experience, skills and passion to their schools every day, and we are grateful for their commitment and dedication.

We are proud to recognize and congratulate the 11 principals nominated for CMS Principal of the Year by their performance areas. The Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Award was introduced in 1984 to recognize the role of the principal in establishing an environment conducive to the pursuit and achievement of academic excellence in North Carolina’s schools.