Crystal Epps Of Scroggs Elementary Named CHCCS Principal Of The Year

Chapel Hill, NC – Crystal Epps of Mary Scroggs Elementary School (MSES) has been named the 2019-2020 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Principal of the Year. Chosen by her peers, Epps will represent CHCCS at the state level for consideration as North Carolina Principal of the Year.

“Crystal Epps has provided strong, creative leadership in our district for many years,” said Interim Superintendent, Dr. Jim Causby. “She blends extensive experience in PBIS, equity work, and data analysis with a passion for elevating her school’s culture and identity.”

Epps became principal at MSES in 2014, after serving as assistant principal at Frank Porter Graham Elementary School and Rashkis Elementary School. During her time as principal, she has led MSES with a sharp focus on culturally proficient instruction and restorative practices in the classrooms. Her emphasis on providing strong professional development and encouraging innovative pedagogy is reflected in two of the past three CHCCS Teachers of the Year coming from MSES, Jasmine Johnson and Eugenia Floyd. Epps advocated for the first-ever Teachers of Color group and was a district recipient of the Minority Student Achievement Award. She also serves as a principal mentor to newly hired principals.

Epps began her career in education 20 years ago as an elementary grades teacher in the Bronx, N.Y., after earning a B.S. at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an M.A. in Elementary Education from Mercy College. Moving to North Carolina in 2003, she took teaching positions in Burlington and Efland before accepting her first CHCCS classroom at Ephesus Elementary School. She left Ephesus to join the planning team that helped open Morris Grove Elementary. She was named 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year at Morris Grove Elementary School.

Epps completed her M.S.A. in the Administration and Supervision at North Carolina Central University in 2010.