CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

HEAR WHAT MAKES OUR PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

SO SPECIAL

Craven County Schools Names

2025-2026 Principal of the Year

NEW BERN, N.C. – Craven County Schools is proud to announce that Dr. Marlow Artis, principal of Craven Early College High School, has been named the 2025-2026 Craven County Schools Principal of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Artis’s outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication to student achievement, and commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence within his school community.

As Principal of the Year, he will serve as the local advisor to the Board of Education and represent Craven County Schools in local, regional, and state events. Dr. Artis was one of four finalists who interviewed with a local selection committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Dr. Artis’s selection qualifies him to compete with other local school district award recipients for the Southeast Regional Principal of the Year title.

During the selection process, Principal Artis shared his leadership vision, emphasizing a team-centered approach grounded in instructional excellence. He stated in his portfolio, “Our team operates with a unified commitment to high-impact teaching practices. We have established clear instructional priorities that guide our work and ensure accountability.”

Under his leadership, Dr. Artis has seen significant progress in both academic outcomes and school climate. During his interview, he stated, “Since the 2022-2023 school year, we have achieved and sustained an A rating. We are proud to be the only A-rated school in our district and the only CCS school to exceed growth for four consecutive years”.Through a focused instructional framework and a collaborative culture, his team continues to elevate teaching and learning while supporting the growth of every student. 

His forward-thinking leadership and ability to build a strong, mission-driven team are evident in the accomplishments of Craven Early College High School. His dedication to instructional quality, paired with his belief in shared leadership, has created a thriving learning environment where both students and teachers can succeed. He makes it a priority to spend time in every classroom every day. Central to his efforts has been raising student achievement by expanding rigorous course offerings, ensuring that students have access to challenging academic opportunities that prepare them for success beyond the classroom.



Dr. Artis praised parental engagement, noting it as one of the key factors contributing to student success at Craven Early College High School. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Marlow Artis on this well-deserved honor.

North Carolina Teacher of the Year Visits West Craven Middle School

 West Craven Middle School had the honor of welcoming Rachel Candaso, the 2025 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, on Monday, October 6th.

Representing Pitt County Schools, Ms. Candaso visited to learn more about how West Craven Middle educators are preparing students for their next phase of life. During her time at the school, she toured classrooms, met with teachers, and engaged with students, gaining insight into the innovative teaching and learning happening across the campus.

“I was eager to see firsthand the innovative ways your educators are equipping students for success,” said Candaso.

Ms. Candaso’s visit was part of her statewide outreach as North Carolina Teacher of the Year, through which she connects with educators across the state to celebrate impactful teaching and share ideas that enhance student learning.

“As an advisor to the State Board of Education, I want to highlight purposeful practices and celebrate the work educators are doing every day to transform student lives,” Candaso shared.

Her time at West Craven Middle provided opportunities for meaningful conversations about teaching, learning, and the shared commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. The school was proud to showcase its staff, students, and programs during her visit. Thank you, Ms. Candaso, for including Craven County Schools in your tour of schools across the state.