Donnell Cannon (NELA Cohort IV) Named Edgecombe County Schools 2021 Principal of the Year

Congrats to NELA Cohort IV Graduate Donnell Cannon, Principal at North Edgecombe High School, for being named Edgecombe County Principal of the Year. Donnell has been an exemplary leader and advocate in multiple roles throughout his educational journey; as a teacher, principal, and in his many leadership roles in the greater North Carolina educational community. He is known throughout the state as a progressive educational leader, social justice advocate, and an authority in educational leadership. Donnell’s leadership is driven by equity and a commitment to relationship building, both inside his building and in the community at large. He leads with vision, quality learning, and by empowering others.

North Edgecombe High School has exceeded growth since Donnell assumed the role as the principal. In his first year, NEHS students doubled their overall proficiency. In addition, the state removed NEHS from its low-performing list. Two years prior to Donnell’s start, NEHS was one of the lowest-performing high schools in the state. By the end of the 2018 – 2019 school year, NEHS was ranked in the top 15% in the state in overall student growth. Donnell also serves in various educational leadership roles including: Edgecombe County Public School District Design Team Coach, Hunt Institute Advisor, Teach For America NC Board Member, member of Edgecombe County Public School Blue Ribbon Commission on Equity, and a member of Education NC Board of Directors. Congratulations Donnell!