Two Nash County Public Schools Assistant Principals Complete Statewide Leadership Program
NASHVILLE, N.C. (May 29, 2025) – Nash County Public Schools congratulates Cara Patterson, assistant principal at Northern Nash High School, and Tracy Spence, assistant principal at Nash Central High School, on completing the prestigious Future-Ready Leadership program offered by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals’ Association.
The yearlong Future-Ready Leadership program is a rigorous development initiative designed to prepare assistant principals for future roles as effective school leaders. Aligned with the North Carolina School Executive Standards, the program includes six in-person training sessions in Raleigh, along with guided interim activities to reinforce key leadership strategies.
Patterson and Spence were selected for the 2024–25 cohort through a competitive application process that required endorsements from their principals and the district superintendent.
“Being part of the Future-Ready Leadership program was truly eye-opening,” said Spence. “It challenged me to reflect deeply on my leadership style and provided practical strategies that I can bring back to Nash Central High School. The connections I made with fellow educators were invaluable, and I feel more equipped and inspired to support our students and staff in meaningful ways.”
“This has been an enriching experience that allowed me to build meaningful relationships and make valuable connections with other assistant principals and educational leaders from across the state,” said Patterson. “Through this program, I aligned my professional development plan with the cohort’s goals, which helped me grow as a leader and strengthen key leadership skills. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my leadership journey and enhancing my impact within my school community.”
“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Patterson and Ms. Spence for their commitment to professional growth and leadership,” said Dr. Steve Ellis, superintendent of Nash County Public Schools. “Their dedication to improving their craft directly benefits our schools and the students they serve. Programs like Future-Ready Leadership build the foundation for strong school leadership across North Carolina.”
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Media Contact:
Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer