Jason Johnson One of Three Finalists for NASSP National High School Principal of the Year

HILLSBOROUGH, NC—Principal Jason Johnson of Orange High School is on a hot streak that still hasn’t ended, after being named a 2026 National High School Principal of the Year Finalist by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Mr. Johnson was named Wells Fargo NC 2025-2026 Principal of the Year in May 2025, and in that role he is serving as an advisor to the NC State Board of Education through 2027. He travels extensively across the state as an ambassador and part of a vibrant network of education leaders working to expand opportunity for every student, family, educator, and community in North Carolina’s public schools.

The 2026 National Principals of the Year – one each for elementary, middle, and high schools – will be announced on April 17 at the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA) in Washington, D.C. As Mr. Johnson heads to the conference next month as one of three high school finalists, he said he is excited to tell the world how much Orange High School has accomplished in recent years.

“When I was named Principal of the Year for our district, I said it wasn’t about me, and I still mean that with all my heart,” Mr. Johnson said.

“I told our students and staff that this award is for Orange High School, showcasing the huge strides we have already made together and to showcase how everyone has an opportunity and support to help them succeed in our school. I love every member of the Panther Family, and I am truly honored to represent them and Orange County Schools in Washington, DC among my fellow principals and this year’s finalists.”

OCS Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones said, “Mr. Johnson has already distinguished himself as a visionary leader for his school, our district, and our state. He consistently motivates teachers and students to continuously improve, maintain an inclusive and supportive school environment, and make a positive impact in their community.

“Mr. Johnson’s being named a finalist shines a spotlight on the great work done by leaders at Orange High School and throughout Orange County Schools. With this opportunity to elevate his voice on a national level, I am excited for him to inspire another generation of leaders who want to embrace the same vision of serving our students and our whole community.”

From “2026 High School National Principal of the Year Finalists,” at NASSP.org:

The NASSP National Principal of the Year program honors principals who provide high-quality learning opportunities and demonstrate outstanding leadership. For 2026, each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools (DoSOS), and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) were able to select one middle level principal and one high school principal to represent their state.

Jason Johnson is the principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC, and the North Carolina Principal of the Year. With more than 25 years in education, he has served as a teacher and leader in Chatham and Guilford County Schools and as a school transformation coach with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

He first led Orange High from 2012–2016 and returned as principal in 2021, reaffirming his commitment to the school community. A two-time Orange County Principal of the Year (2010, 2025), he has also served on the district’s Equity Task Force. His “lead with love” philosophy drives his focus on equity and academic growth for all students.