WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After two controversial years at the helm Jackson Norvell will soon no longer be principal at Ashley High School. Norvell made the announcement to faculty and staff yesterday, sources say.
Norvell had come under fire after teacher satisfaction surveys, from 2014, showed teachers were unhappy with the direction the school was heading and had issues with the school’s leadership. In 2015, a new survey showed satisfaction had improved, though Ashley teachers were still much less satisfied than teachers at other schools.
Back in May, amid a flurry of controversy, the New Hanover County Board of Education approved Norvell’s contract for another four years. Sources say Norvell will become principal of Wrightsville Beach Elementary School. They also say Patrick McCarty will take over the reigns at Ashley High. McCarty is currently the principal of Murray Middle School.
A New Hanover County Schools spokeswoman confirmed the moves in a news release late Saturday morning. The district also announced MaryPaul Beall will move from Wrightsville Beach Elementary to become principal at Isaac Bear Early College High School, while Phillip Sutton moves from Isaac Bear to replace McCarty at Murray Middle.
Norvell has repeatedly declined our requests for an interview.