Orange High School’s Jason Johnson Named 2025 NC Principal of the Year

CARY, NC – In a celebration of excellence in educational leadership, Jason Johnson, principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, was named the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year on Friday, May 24, during a prestigious awards luncheon held at the Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary.

The award, considered one of the highest honors in the state’s public education system, recognizes outstanding principals who exemplify vision, leadership, and commitment to student success. Johnson was selected from a field of nine regional finalists representing districts across North Carolina.

A Career of Impact and Transformation

Jason Johnson brings over 27 years of educational experience to his current role. He has served as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and a school transformation coach at the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) before returning to lead in Orange County Schools.

As principal of Orange High School, Johnson led the school to exceed growth expectations during the 2023–24 academic year, playing a major role in raising the school’s letter grade and increasing academic proficiency across all racial groups. His leadership style has been credited with creating a collaborative school culture that emphasizes high expectations, equity, and continuous improvement.

“Jason Johnson is a visionary leader who understands the complexities of school transformation,” said Dr. Danielle Jones, Superintendent of Orange County Schools. “He inspires teachers and engages students like few can. His leadership is unmatched.”

Statewide Recognition and National Opportunities

N.C. State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green praised Johnson’s wide-ranging influence:

“Jason’s leadership across the classroom, district office, and even NCDPI speaks volumes. He is dedicated to building teacher leaders and ensuring student success—no matter their background or future plans.”

Wells Fargo, long-time sponsor of the Principal of the Year program, applauded Johnson’s accomplishments.

“We are proud to celebrate leaders like Jason Johnson,” said Juan Austin, Senior Manager of Community Impact & Sustainability at Wells Fargo. “He reflects the best of North Carolina’s education system.”

As North Carolina’s Principal of the Year, Johnson will serve as a statewide ambassador for the profession throughout the 2025–26 school year and will be North Carolina’s nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Distinguished Principal of the Year award.

Jason Johnson: A Leader Driven by Purpose

In his application, Johnson wrote:

“Working with students, teachers, and families is at the heart of who I am as an educational leader. My experiences have deepened my passion for building leadership capacity in others. My heart and soul is building teacher leaders and a collaborative culture at my school.”

The NC Principal of the Year will serve in an advisory capacity to the State Board of Education for a two-year term and serve on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Public School Forum.

Photos: Orange County Schools