Congratulations to our 2024 BCS Principal of the Year!
Clyde A. Erwin High's Chip Cody was elected by his fellow principals to represent Buncombe County Schools (BCS) in the statewide Principal of the Year program. This program was introduced in 1984 to recognize the role of the principal in establishing an environment conducive to the pursuit and achievement of academic excellence in North Carolina’s schools. Central Services staff and his family surprised Mr. Cody with the news during lunch at Erwin High last Thursday.
“It was truly a shock to turn around and see everyone, including my family,” said Mr. Cody. “That was special. It hit me instantly what was going on when I saw the cameras and balloons. Being able to represent BCS in this process is a huge honor and responsibility. We have amazing principals in BCS, and I want to make sure I represent my peers the best I can.”
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jamie Johnson, who was the 2023 BCS Principal of the Year, was among those to help with this surprise. She says that the anonymous nomination described Mr. Cody as an awesome human!
“Mr. Cody is a true educator,” said Dr. Johnson. “His passion lies with the students and families in the Erwin Community. Mr. Cody has spent the majority of his administrative career serving Erwin Middle, Eblen Intermediate, and Erwin High. He goes out of his way to build partnerships with local organizations that also support the Erwin students and families. Mr. Cody is an amazing example of what it means to be a servant leader. He gives of himself each and every day to build meaningful relationships with students and makes every decision with students' best interests as the priority.”
“The best thing about being a principal is the people I am around,” said Mr. Cody. “The students, staff, families, and community members are what educators are about. The people we serve and work with are why we do what we do, and I am surrounded by an awesome community at Erwin and in Buncombe County Schools.
Mr. Cody will be formally recognized for his accomplishment at an upcoming school board meeting with a special acknowledgment from the Buncombe County Schools Foundation and First Citizens Bank. He goes on to compete in the Western Region Principal of the Year phase of this program! Eight regional finalists participate in the state selection process.
Congratulations, and good luck!
