Jeremiah McCluney Named 2018-19 Principal of the Year Principal of Rutherford Early College High School Honored by Peers

Mr. McCluney and Dr. Janet H. Mason as Mr. McCluney thanked his peers and encouraged new and returning teachers to maintain a 'children first' mentality as they embark on the new school year.

On Monday, August 20, Rutherford County Schools (RCSNC) superintendent Janet Mason welcomed employees to the 2018-19 school year during the school system's annual opening assembly, held at R-S Central High School. During the program, Mason announced that Jeremiah McCluney, who serves as the principal at REaCH (Rutherford Early College High School), was recently selected by his peers as the 2018-19 RCSNC Principal of the Year.

McCluney has been the principal at REaCH since July 2013. After earning a bachelor's degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2000, he has spent his entire eighteen-year career with Rutherford County Schools. In 2008, McCluney earned a master's degree in school administration at Appalachian State University.

REaCH has posted a 100% graduation rate each year since it opened. Following a rigorous program of study, REaCH students complete college classes on the campus of Isothermal Community College as they progress through high school, typically graduating with both a high school diploma and associate's degree. In recent years, McCluney has been instrumental in maximizing the benefits and opportunities of the early college experience to help REaCH students excel.

RCSNC commends McCluney's recent recognition and is proud that he will represent the school system and his peers as the selection process for North Carolina's Region 8 Principal of the Year gets underway in the coming months.

Rutherford County Schools (RCSNC) is the comprehensive public school system of Rutherford County, North Carolina. With eighteen schools and one prekindergarten center serving over 8,400 students, RCSNC is an innovative school district committed to preparing all students for college and career success. Through its Going GLOBAL initiative, RCSNC has embraced a one-to-one digital learning environment where all students from kindergarten through grade twelve have access to a personal technology device every day. Supported by a strong community with deep roots, RCSNC celebrates lasting partnerships with the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation, the Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation, and multiple other agencies and organizations. Learn more at rcsnc.org.