SALISBURY — Earlier this week, the Rowan-Salisbury School System announced the Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Beginning Teacher of the Year for the 2026-2027 school year.
Principal of the Year – Brenda Sokolowski
As the principal of Mt. Ulla Elementary School, Brenda Sokolowski is recognized for her student-centered leadership, strong relationships and commitment to creating a school where students, staff and families feel valued and connected. A graduate of West Rowan High School, Sokolowski earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in administration from UNC Charlotte.
Sokolowski’s foundation in education includes nearly 20 years as a classroom teacher. As noted by the school system, her journey into administration began when one of her supportive mentors, Shonda Hairston, recognized her leadership potential and encouraged her to pursue administration. Sokolowski served as an assistant principal at Knollwood Elementary for three and a half years before becoming principal at Mt. Ulla.
Sokolowski’s leadership approach is grounded in her belief that students must be active participants in their learning. She works to create classrooms where students think, question, discuss, solve problems and take ownership of their learning, while teachers serve as facilitators and instructional leaders.
“Ultimately, I believe the teacher leads the work, but the students must do the work. I believe our greatest impact as educators comes when we create the conditions for students to become active, independent learners,” said Sokolowski.
At Mt. Ulla, she emphasizes high expectations, meaningful relationships, consistency, and a nurturing school culture where students and staff can grow and thrive.
“A school should be more than a place children come to learn; it should be a hub of the community — a place where students, families, staff and community members feel that they belong,” Sokolowski said.
One of Sokolowski’s proudest moments as principal was seeing Mt. Ulla’s school performance grade move from a C to a B. She credits the achievement to the hard work of staff and students and the school’s continued commitment to growth and improvement.
As she reflected on being named Principal of the Year, Sokolowski shared, “Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, challenging me and working alongside me. I feel incredibly blessed to do work that I love, with people I care about, in a community that is my home.”
Assistant Principal of the Year – Courtney Price
Bostian Elementary School assistant principal Courtney Price was honored for her “dedication to instructional leadership, educator development and creating a culture where every member of the school community feels supported,” the school system said.
Price began her education career as a student teacher at Hurley Elementary through Catawba College. She had the opportunity to teach in several RSS elementary schools and serve as the Site Support Leader and Mentor for Beginning Teachers at Hurley Elementary School.
“It was through this experience that I discovered how much I enjoyed supporting and encouraging new teachers as they grew in their profession,” Price said.
While returning to college to receive her master’s in administration and the encouragement from an influential mentor, Leslie Sechler, she developed her leadership skills.
“After earning my administration degree, I joined Bostian Elementary, where I have spent the past three years learning under the ‘BESt’, Dr. Cory Stirewalt (RSS 2025-2026 Principal of the Year),” Price shared. “He has given me opportunities to lead while continuing to challenge and support me as I learn and grow along the way.”
Price roots her leadership in the belief that all children can learn and succeed. At Bostian Elementary, she is especially proud of the school’s work through professional learning communities, authentic feedback and responding to student data to guide instruction. She also emphasizes the importance of relationships in creating a strong school culture.
“To build and maintain a strong school culture, everyone has to share the mindset that ‘They’re all our kids,’” said Price. “I’m honored to say this is the culture of Bostian, where every adult is willing to help coach, teach or advocate for a child, no matter if that child is rostered to them or not.”
For Price, being named Assistant Principal of the Year is ultimately a reflection of the people who have supported her throughout her career, as well as the “many other incredible leaders across our district who work hard every day and deserve this award as well.” She also recognizes the staff at Bostian Elementary, saying, “It is through their grace, trust and willingness to allow me to push them to be just 1 percent better each day that makes our school special.”
Beginning Teacher of the Year – Sarah Jeffries
Sarah Jeffries, an eighth-grade math teacher at West Rowan Middle School, is recognized for her commitment to student growth and ability to help students see their own potential. Jeffries began her education career at West Rowan Middle last school year after earning an undergraduate degree in entrepreneurship from the University of North Florida and a graduate certificate in middle grades instruction from UNC Charlotte. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in mathematics. Her passion for teaching was inspired in part by her father, a math teacher, and by her own experiences tutoring students and helping them experience “aha” moments.
“I chose teaching because I wanted to help young people build confidence and recognize mathematics as an essential skill that underpins our modern world,” Jeffries shared.
Throughout her first year in the classroom, Jeffries has used an instructional model centered on self-paced learning, small-group instruction, targeted feedback and opportunities for students to apply mathematics to real-world situations and their own interests.
“I am still refining this approach, but I have learned that differentiation means creating multiple pathways to the same high expectations and knowing every student is capable of reaching them,” Jeffries said.
One of Jeffries’ most meaningful experiences came with a student who entered eighth grade having struggled in math and often gave up before attempting a problem. Through small-group support, guiding questions and encouragement, Jeffries watched the student become more willing to ask for help, persevere and work independently. When the student earned a B for the second term and proudly shared the grade with her, he told Jeffries, “This is the first time I actually feel smart.” For Jeffries, “That moment reminded me that teaching can change how students see themselves and what they believe is possible.”
Jeffries hopes to carry that belief into every classroom she enters.
“I hope to extend my impact beyond my classroom by sharing ideas with fellow educators who can help more students recognize their potential,” she said. “We may not see the impact immediately, but those moments can stay with students long after they leave our classrooms. Be their biggest cheerleader. Help them grow into the best version of themselves while celebrating what makes them unique.”
RSS Superintendent Dr. Kelly Withers led the surprise announcements at each winner’s school on Friday, Sept. 25.
“Mrs. Sokolowski, Mrs. Price and Ms. Jeffries each represent a different stage of leadership and growth within our schools, yet they share the same unwavering commitment to students,” said Dr. Kelly Withers, superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools. “Their dedication reminds us that great leadership is built through relationships, a willingness to keep learning, and a belief in what our students and staff are capable of achieving. We are incredibly proud to celebrate these three outstanding educators and the impact they are making across RSS.”
All winners received a flower gift card bouquet that included gift certificates from local businesses, including Ralph Baker’s Shoes, Texas Roadhouse, Koco Java, The RipTide Car Wash, Abigail’s Bakery and Krispy Kreme. They were also celebrated at the Sept. 28 board meeting.
