Rockingham County Schools News Release • January 17, 2025 • S. Gladieux, Director of Safety & PIO
(Rockingham County, NC) – Rockingham County Schools is excited to announce Laura Carter, the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year and current principal of Rockingham Early College High School, has been named the Implementation and Planning Principal for the district’s newest Cooperative and Innovative High School. This groundbreaking institution will focus on career and technical education (CTE) and career readiness, offering students specialized pathways in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction and trades.
Principal Carter brings a wealth of experience to this role, having successfully led Rockingham Early College High School, a Cooperative Innovative High School that empowers students to earn an associate degree while completing high school. North Carolina’s Cooperative Innovative High Schools operate under unique partnerships between school districts and community colleges or universities. These programs provide students with high-quality CTE opportunities and access to dual-enrollment credits, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in post-secondary education and the workforce.
Carter expressed her enthusiasm for this new endeavor, saying, “I am honored to help shape this incredible opportunity for our students and community. This school will be a game-changer, empowering students to explore and excel in fields that are essential to our region’s economic growth. Being a part of making students choice-ready in Rockingham County is a privilege, and I am excited to work alongside educators, industry leaders and families to make this vision a reality.”
Principal Carter will maintain her current role as principal of Rockingham Early College High School while also serving as the implementation and planning principal for the new Cooperative and Innovative High School focused on Career and Technical Education.
Carter earned her Associate Degree in Applied Science from Rockingham Community College. Carter continued her education earning her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from North Carolina A&T State University and her Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Gardner Webb University. She received her Academically & Intellectually Gifted Education certification from Duke University. Carter is currently pursuing her doctorate at High Point University.
Carter has been a member of the Rockingham County Schools family for nearly 20 years. Carter has previously served RCS as Principal at Rockingham County High School and Leaksville-Spray Elementary School. In addition, she was an Assistant Principal at Western Rockingham Middle School and Rockingham County High School. Also, Carter has been a third and fifth grade teacher at Monroeton and Central Elementary Schools. Furthermore, Carter has been an instructional coach at two elementary schools in addition to serving in vast roles at the school level. Rockingham County Schools recognized Principal Carter as Assistant Principal of the Year in 2019 and Teacher of the year in 2010.
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