School Board Names New Cleveland Elementary Principal

Dr. Ryan Ewell was named the principal of Cleveland Elementary at the June 8th Johnston County Board of Education meeting.

Ewell has served Johnston County Public Schools since 2017 as the Assistant Principal at Selma Middle School. Ewell served a Dual-Principal residency at Warren County Middle School and Vaughan Elementary School in the 2016-2017 school year.

“I am truly honored to serve as the next Principal of Cleveland Elementary School,” said Ewell. “I look forward to building lasting relationships with the students and families in the Cleveland community. Together; we will continue to achieve greater levels of excellence.”

Ewell will begin his role as Principal on July 1, 2021, filling the vacancy left by Maureen Hanahue’s retirement.

Before serving in administration Ewell was a teacher at Warren New Technology High School in Warrenton, NC.

Ewell is well known among his colleagues and school community for working to build relationships with his students and their families, while focusing on achievement.

“Dr. Ewell will be an asset to the Cleveland Elementary community,” said Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy. “He is committed to his students and the school’s success.”

Ewell recently defended his dissertation, earning his Doctorate of Educational Leadership from East Carolina University in 2021. He earned his Masters of School Administration from North Carolina State University. He is the former recipient of the Warren New Technology High School Teacher of the Year Award.