APEX, N.C., June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- June 21 marked
the 25th anniversary of the Charter School Act, which
allows publicly funded, privately managed, and semi-autonomous
schools of choice. This is an ideal time to recognize principals
who have been the glue that has kept schools afloat during an
extraordinarily challenging year. In honor of all the work charter
school leaders and their staff are doing across the state, the
North Carolina Office of Charter Schools (OCS) is recognizing their
dedicated efforts.
Steve Pond, principal at Peak
Charter Academy, has been named a 2021 Charter One NC Charter
Co-Principal of the Year. This award recognizes the role of the
charter school leader for establishing an environment conducive to
academic excellence in North
Carolina's charter schools. Pond was nominated by
Linda Reynolds, board president at
Peak.
"In many ways he exceeds the requirements and expectations for
the award," said Reynolds. "Steve
Pond's ambition, intelligence, and accomplishments makes him
highly deserving of the Charter Principal/School Leader of the Year
Award. He is a visionary leader who works collaboratively with the
entire school community."
There were 10 finalists and when the scoring was complete, two
leaders emerged in a tie: Pond and Thomas
McKoy, principal at Reaching All Minds Academy.
Pond will receive a $1,000 check
from Charter One and a plaque from OCS. Each of the other eight
finalists will receive a $250 check
from Charter One and a plaque. Pond and McKoy will serve as
ambassadors for the state's approximately 205 charter school
principals the following school year.
"This past academic school year has been a challenge for all
educators across North Carolina.
The definition of a true academic leader is someone that can rise
above the situation and lead his or her school community to higher
heights," said Dave Muchado,
director of NC OCS. "The first ever Charter School Principals of
the Year exemplify what the charter school community is built on,
innovative leadership assuring students are prepared for today's
global world."
Pond is a decorated school leader. He was recently named the
Best Elementary Principal, for the third year in a row, in Cary
Magazine's annual Maggy Awards.
"National Heritage Academies (NHA) could not be more proud of
the work that Mr. Pond has done at Peak Charter Academy," said
Doug Hower, director of school
quality at NHA. "He is a school leader that puts the needs of his
students, families, and staff at the forefront of his decision
making. His singular focus upon creating the very best education
opportunities for the families that he serves has made Peak Charter
Academy a standout school within the community."
Check out photos from the surprise here.
About Peak Charter Academy:
Peak Charter Academy,
managed by NHA, is a free, public charter school serving students
in kindergarten through eighth grade in the Apex area. For more information, visit
peakcharteracademy.org.
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SOURCE National Heritage Academies