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Students, alumni and staff praise Orange County Schools; board recognizes principal and beginning teacher of the year
Summary
The board recognized Madison Williamson as Principal of the Year and Rebecca Gorris as Beginning Teacher of the Year. Several current students, alumni and a teacher offered public comment praising programs, staff support and the district’s role in preparing students for college and careers.
The Orange County Board of Education opened the meeting with recognitions and public comment highlighting the district’s programs and staff supports. Jeff Coeek of human resources introduced Madison Williamson as the district’s 2025–26 Principal of the Year and Rebecca Gorris as the Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Jeff Coeek summarized Williamson’s career with the district and noted Pathways Elementary’s academic growth under her leadership, saying the school moved from a C to a B grade and was “in the top 9% of North Carolina schools as measured by EVAAS growth.” Williamson will represent Orange County Schools in regional principal competitions.
Several current students and recent alumni addressed the board during public comment to thank teachers and counselors for college‑preparatory supports and extracurricular opportunities. Xavier Adams, a social studies teacher and 2022 North Carolina beginning teacher of the year, spoke about the district’s beginning teacher program and said, “Every day Orange County Schools chooses our students,” describing mentorship and programs that supported his development as a teacher.
Alumni and students highlighted programs including the Minority Achievers program, Spanish courses at Orange High School, CTE offerings, and counseling supports that helped first‑generation students navigate college applications. Several speakers said district staff rallied to support students during personal crises.
A parent from Central Elementary made a separate public comment raising concerns about a bond decision and the possible conversion of Central Elementary to a year‑round choice school in Hillsborough; that concern is covered in a separate work‑session discussion and is not a formal board action at this meeting.
Board members thanked the students, staff and HR for the recognitions and public testimony. The board encouraged continued outreach and noted opportunities to meet with impacted communities about bond and facility planning.
