The Board of Education approved the hiring of two new principals at its January 17 meeting. Patrenia McDowell was named the principal for McDougle Elementary and Lewis "Drew" Ware was named the principal for Estes Hills Elementary.
McDowell has served as the McDougle Elementary's interim principal since September and was the school's assistant principal since 2008. McDowell holds a both bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education and a master of education degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. She also holds: a NC Principals Certificate, Grades K-12; a NC Professional Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education, Grades K-6; a Curriculum Instructional Specialist certification; and Academically Gifted and Talented licensure. McDowell also earned her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Before joining CHCCS, McDowell was an elementary school teacher in Durham Public Schools and in South Carolina.
"Patrenia McDowell's commitment to creating a rigorous, high functioning learning culture at McDougle Elementary School made her selection an easy one for the interview and selection team," said Superintendent Thomas A. Forcella. "She has proven during her time as assistant principal and interim principal that she is up to the task of providing the leadership that will bring McDougle Elementary to new levels of student learning," he added.
McDowell begins her tenure as principal at McDougle Elementary immediately.
Ware is currently the principal at Aldert Root STEM Elementary in Wake County, a position he has held since 2009. He has also been the assistant principal at Vance Year Round Elementary and prior to that a classroom teacher at Underwood Gifted and Talented Elementary from 1999-2007. Ware earned both a bachelor of arts degree in Elementary Education and a master of education degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also holds: a NC Principals Certificate, Grades K-12; a NC Professional Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education, Grades K-6.
"The experience that Mr. Ware brings to Estes Hills Elementary will prove to be a significant asset for staff and students. Specifically, his background in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiative will be a great benefit, for not only the school, but the entire district," said Forcella. "His excitement for improving learning for all students is contagious!"
Susan Pegg will continue to serve as the interim principal at Estes Hills Elementary until Ware starts in March. She will be supported by Deshera Mack, another retired CHCCS principal.
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| Patrenia McDowell Principal, McDougle Elementary |
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| Drew Ware Principal, Estes Hills Elementary |
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