FAIRMONT — Fairgrove Elementary School Assistant Principal Shauntia McLeod has been selected to participate in the 2026–2027 Future-Ready Leadership (FRL) program, a statewide professional development opportunity designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of practicing assistant principals across North Carolina.
The program, provided by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals’ Association (NCPAPA), is aligned with the North Carolina Standards for School Executives and provides participants with opportunities to connect leadership theory with the daily work of leading schools.
“I am truly honored and grateful to have been selected for the 2026–2027 Future-Ready Leadership Cohort,” McLeod said. “I view leadership as a continuous journey of learning, reflection and service. This opportunity will allow me to grow alongside other educational leaders from across North Carolina while strengthening the skills I use each day to support teachers, students, families and our school community.”
Throughout the 2026–2027 school year, McLeod will join a cohort of school leaders for six face-to-face leadership development sessions focused on areas essential to effective school leadership, including curriculum and instruction, instructional leadership and teacher effectiveness, professional learning communities, school culture and relationships with students and staff.
Participants will also complete assignments, projects, professional readings and reflective activities designed to strengthen their individual leadership practices and the capacity of the schools they serve.
The program will officially launch Sept. 11 at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh. Sessions will continue throughout the academic year, with the program concluding April 27, 2027, with a final session and graduation.
Through the program, McLeod will have the opportunity to identify her leadership strengths and areas for continued growth, develop a professional growth plan in collaboration with her principal and build connections with a statewide network of educational leaders committed to improving outcomes for students and schools.
“I am excited to represent Fairgrove Elementary and the Public Schools of Robeson County and to bring what I learn back to the people I have the privilege of serving,” McLeod said.
McLeod currently serves as assistant principal at Fairgrove Elementary School, where she supports instructional leadership, school improvement, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, professional learning communities, teacher development, student achievement, school operations and family engagement.
Her selection reflects her continued commitment to professional growth and strengthening her leadership skills to better serve students, staff and families at Fairgrove Elementary School.
“Strong schools are built by strong leaders who are committed to learning, growing and serving others,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “Ms. McLeod’s selection for the Future-Ready Leadership program is a reflection of her commitment to becoming an even stronger instructional leader. We are proud to see her represent Fairgrove Elementary and our district, and we look forward to the knowledge and experiences she will bring back to benefit her school community.”