“Stronger Together” Takes Center Stage At JCPS 2026 Leadership Conference

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – On July 14-16, 2026, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) principals, assistant principals, and central office staff attended the 2026 Leadership Conference at Cleveland High. The annual conference provides administrators with valuable information to share with their school teams as they prepare for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The conference started with a celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America, beginning with the presentation of colors by the North Johnston High Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadets led by Captain Timothy Peedin and Chief Master Sergeant Benjamin Fitzgerald, and South Johnston High Air Force JROTC cadets led by Lieutenant Colonel Eric Brewington and Master Sergeant Justin Haggerty.

Next, the Summer Leadership Honor Choir under the direction of JCPS K-12 Arts Education Curriculum Specialist Sarah Fawn McLamb performed “The Star-Spangled Banner”, “America the Beautiful”, and “I Hear America Singing”.

JCPS Superintendent Dr. David Pearce then welcomed attendees and unveiled his theme for the 2026-2027 academic year: “Stronger Together”, which is a continuation of last year’s theme, “Forward”. Guided by its North Star of student achievement and academic excellence, the district’s emphasis on being stronger together aims to encourage collaboration among all 50 of its schools.

“Together, we are the light that will lead our school district forward. When we lead with courage, learn with humility, and serve with purpose, there is no limit to what our students can achieve. Forward together. Stronger together. Excellence always,” Pearce stated.

Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews provided opening remarks to the administrators, acknowledging their continued perseverance and shared words of inspiration as they move closer to the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year.

During the Leadership Conference, principals focused on three main essentials: Students First, People’s Principal, and Instructional Leadership. Assistant principals’ instruction centered on three essentials of their roles, entitled Support the Principal, People Leader, and Instructional Leader.

With student achievement and academic growth as the school district’s North Star, members of JCPS Leadership shared data from the previous academic year with the school administrators. The session included a deep dive into the school district’s successes and opportunities for growth.

For Marissa Saxon, who is about to begin her second year as the assistant principal at West Clayton Elementary School, the 2026 Leadership Conference was another opportunity to continue leading her school forward. “When I think about being stronger together, in this world of education, we cannot do this by ourselves,” Saxon remarked.

“Being part of a school district that focuses on teamwork makes me feel supported. I know that I can go to anyone within this district and that I am going to get the help that I need to support my school,” Saxon said. As she begins her second year as an assistant principal, she is eager to apply the knowledge and insights she gained at this year’s leadership conference.

Wilson’s Mills High Assistant Principal Dr. Andres Restrepo has been with JCPS for 11 years, and appreciates the experiences he has had thus far and looks forward to many more. Restrepo doesn’t feel he is coming to work each day; he feels he is coming to serve his purpose.

The leadership conference has renewed his excitement for continued growth as an administrator, just as he embraced growth throughout his career as an educator. “Dr. Pearce has inspired every administrator in this district because he has the heart for the students and he communicates that clearly,” Restrepo said. “He also says to be clear is to be kind and that we are all in this together and therefore stronger together,” he added.

That theme runs throughout the district, and JCPS is proud of the strong and invaluable partnerships with local municipalities and law enforcement agencies. The men and women of local law enforcement not only create a safe learning and working environment but also build strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Each year at the Leadership Conference, JCPS proudly spotlights its exceptional team of School Resource Officers (SROs), celebrating the lasting, positive impact they make in school communities across the district.

One of the most exciting parts of the conference was the announcement of the 2026–2027 Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year. Nominated by their peers, the esteemed award is presented to the principal and assistant principal whose leadership and passion for education have positively impacted their school communities and JCPS as a whole.

The 2026-2027 Principal of the Year is Maritza Rosado, who is about to begin her ninth year as the principal at Selma Elementary. She leads the Yellow Jackets with purpose, delivering engaging academic experiences that equip students with the essential academic and social skills they need to succeed. The school is focused on literacy, dual language immersion, social-emotional learning, and college preparation through the school’s AVID program, which is among the drivers to help the students achieve this mission.

South Smithfield Elementary Assistant Principal Tamara Brock was named the 2026-2027 Assistant Principal of the Year. A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Brock is a career educator with more than 25 years of experience. Most of her educational journey with JCPS was at West Smithfield Elementary, teaching third, fourth, and fifth grades. She also taught third and fourth grade at Powhatan Elementary before accepting the assistant principalship at South Smithfield Elementary.

“This week was not just a series of professional learning sessions. It was an opportunity to welcome new leaders, celebrate past successes, strengthen relationships, reinforce our district priorities, build leadership capacity, and demonstrate what it means to lead as one team in support of our schools and students,” stated JCPS Associate Superintendent Patty Whittington. “The 2026 Leadership Conference also provided them with the information, resources, and guidance necessary to move their schools forward.”