New School and Department Leadership Roles Announced for 2026-2027

During their May 18, 2026 meeting, the Orange County Board of Education approved the following leadership recommendations by Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones for Orange County Schools departments and schools in the 2026-2027 school year.

Following their approvals, Dr. Jones said, “We are proud to welcome these outstanding leaders to their school and district roles for the coming academic year. I am confident that they will help lead Orange County Schools in a positive direction that ensures student growth, staff development, and a bright future for our Orange County community.”

Jazmine Kilpatrick, Chief Communications Officer

Jazmine Kilpatrick is a strategic communications and community impact executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning the public sector, nonprofit industry, local government, and financial services. She will serve as OCS Chief Communications Officer starting on June 22, 2026.

Kilpatrick most recently served as Senior Vice President of Impact at Civic Credit Union and Executive Director of the Civic Foundation, the organization’s philanthropic arm. Growing with the organization over a span of twelve years, she led enterprise-wide communications, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, advocacy initiatives, philanthropy strategy, social media engagement, and statewide community impact efforts.

Kilpatrick holds a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She previously served as Marketing and Events Manager for Forsyth County Government and Senior Community Educator for the City of Winston-Salem Fire Department, building trust through crisis communications and community engagement as the department’s public information officer.

“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Orange County Schools leadership team and contribute to a district deeply committed to student success, educational excellence, and community partnership,” said Kilpatrick.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with district leadership, educators, staff, families, and community stakeholders to support the district’s mission and strengthen meaningful engagement as a trusted communications resource for Orange County Schools and the broader community. I am excited to help elevate the incredible work taking place across the district and support initiatives that create lasting impact for every student.”

A dedicated civic and volunteer leader, Kilpatrick serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of North Carolina and on the Advocacy Committee for Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. She also serves on the Advisory Committee for A Stronger NC through the Governor’s Office and has championed statewide initiatives focused on equity, community advancement, and public service throughout her career. 

Recognized for her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision, Kilpatrick is passionate about leveraging communication, advocacy, and community engagement to drive meaningful and lasting impact.

Mariah Morris, Assistant Principal, Orange High School

Mariah Morris has over 20 years of experience advancing high-quality instruction and student success as a teacher and leader in schools, and at the district and state level. She will begin her new role as Assistant Principal at Orange High School by August 3, 2026.

Morris currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives for Orange County Schools, where she leads professional learning, coaches educators, and supports school improvement initiatives across all schools. She led the development of the district’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan and created the annual OCS Stars of Education conference for peer-led professional learning, now in its fourth year, as well as the Teacher of the Year Roundtable, a professional learning community for teacher leaders meeting monthly with the OCS Superintendent.

Previously, Morris served Orange County Schools as Director of Literacy, where she led K-12 teaching and learning strategies driven by data and aligned to the Science of Reading. She has written and presented extensively in support of improving literacy instruction at the state level.

She holds a certificate in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Master of Education from Wake Forest University, and Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She taught high school English and English as a Second Language before teaching elementary students.

As a fourth-grade teacher at West Pine Elementary in Pinehurst, Morris was selected as the 2019 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC North Carolina Teacher of the Year. Serving two years as a statewide representative for NC educators, advising state leaders and advocating for effective instructional practices, she went on to lead Moore County Schools district transformation efforts before joining Orange County Schools in 2021.

Morris said, “I am honored to join Orange High School as an assistant principal and to become part of a community known for its student-centered culture, strong teacher leadership, and commitment to educational excellence. I look forward to partnering with students, staff, and families to build on the school’s strengths and support a positive, engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. It is a great day to be a Panther!”

Dr. Megan Ray, Assistant Principal, Orange High School

Dr. Megan Ray is an educational leader with over ten years of expertise in teaching middle and high school science prior to leading change processes in various school administration roles. She will begin serving as Assistant Principal at Orange High School on August 3, 2026.

Dr. Ray most recently served as Assistant Principal of Bartlett Yancey Senior High School in Caswell County, after completing an administrative internship and serving as Acting Assistant Principal for Williams High School in Alamance-Burlington School System. She taught science at McDougle Middle School in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and at Williams High School (ABSS), where she also served as Lead Teacher and Interventionist, coordinating the school’s newly formed multi-tiered system of support (MTSS).

Dr. Ray received her Doctorate and Master’s in Educational Leadership from High Point University, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and an Associate’s in Applied Science (Biotechnology) from Alamance Community College. She holds licenses in school administration (Principal, Superintendent) and teaching Science 9-12.

Dr. Ray said, “I am excited to join the Orange High School team, and honored to join a dynamic staff that has been putting in the work to achieve great success. My colleagues know that I value communication, support teachers, and deeply value the diverse experiences and perspectives that every student brings to school. I can’t wait to get to know the Panther students, staff, and community!”

Before teaching and leading in public schools, Dr. Ray worked as a lead laboratory scientist in the private sector and Cotter Laboratory Manager at the UNC School of Medicine (Chapel Hill).

Quashon Southern, Assistant Principal, Cedar Ridge High School

Quashon Southern joins Orange County Schools with over ten years of progressive leadership experience in Guilford County Schools—as a classroom teacher, multi-classroom leader, and building administrator. She will join Cedar Ridge High School as Assistant Principal starting on August 3, 2026.

Southern most recently served as principal intern at Walter Hines Page High School (GCS), leading initiatives to improve attendance, discipline, school climate, and student engagement. At Bessemer Elementary School, she led from her classroom as a grade level chair and delivered professional development at the school and district level .

As a Multi-Classroom Leader at Bessemer, Southern guided professional learning communities and helped students achieve sustained literacy gains. She earned statewide recognition four times, including the last three years in a row (2019, 2023, 2024, 2025), as a North Carolina Top 25% reading teacher based on student growth.

Southern is a member of the 2024-2026 cohort of North Carolina Principal Fellows. She will soon complete her Master of School Administration at Western Carolina University and principal license, and she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. 

“I am honored and excited to join the Orange County Schools community as the new Assistant Principal at Cedar Ridge High School,” said Southern. 

“I look forward to building meaningful relationships with students, staff, families, and the greater Cedar Ridge community while supporting a school culture rooted in excellence, belonging, and student success. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the Cedar Ridge team and contribute to the continued growth and achievement of every student.”

Southern was previously a GCS Teacher of the Year Finalist and earned recognition as Mentor of the Year in 2024-2025. She began her teaching career at Rosenwald Elementary School in the Public Schools of Robeson County.