Draughn’s Williams named BCPS Principal of the Year

Morganton, NC – Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024

Burke County Public Schools has named Draughn High School Principal Charles Williams the 2024-2025 Principal of the Year for the district. William’s fellow Burke County Public Schools principals nominated him for the honor, and he is now chosen to represent the district at the regional Principal of the Year level. 

“Being nominated for Burke County Principal of the Year by my peers is an incredible honor,” Williams said. “It’s very humbling to know that my colleagues—who understand the challenges and responsibilities of this role firsthand—see value in the work I do. I have always tried to be a resource to help and support those who I work with and I appreciate those who have done the same for me. I have had many influences in my career, some have retired such as Ms. Leicha SanMiguel, Mrs. Becky Roach, and Mrs. Susan Pollpeter. As well, I am fortunate to have a tremendous support system within BCPS and some tremendous colleagues that I depend on daily. We work together as a team. Our role is extremely challenging and having a close network is crucial.” 

Willaims said focusing on relationships, the art of listening and flexibility are valuable skills for leaders. He said, “For new principals, my advice is to prioritize building strong relationships with staff, students, parents, and the wider community. Listening more than you speak and understanding the school culture before implementing changes is key. Lead with integrity, keeping students' best interests at the forefront of every decision. Flexibility is also crucial—be ready to adapt when challenges arise and stay calm under pressure. Most importantly, support your team by empowering them, trusting their expertise, and celebrating their successes. For beginning teachers, building rapport with students is essential to creating a positive classroom environment where students feel valued. Stay organized and develop systems to manage the demands of teaching, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from colleagues, especially the principal. For both, remember to take care of yourself. Our work is very demanding, and self-care is crucial to maintaining well-being and being effective in any role.” 

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said, “Mr. Williams has dedicated his life’s work to public education, and served in many roles. He has worked in all levels - elementary, middle and high school - and is a strong instructional leader for our district. Mr. Williams is very deserving of this recognition from his peers. He has a passion not only for education but also for his students, especially those who are from tough backgrounds. We know he will represent us well at the regional Principal of the Year level.” 

Williams started his career with Burke County Public Schools in 1991 as a daycare worker. In 1995, he took a position as a teacher assistant. He has also been a substitute teacher, bus driver, EL teacher (non certified), teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal and principal. Draughn is his fifth principal assignment as he has also served at Ray Childers, Chesterfield, Mountain View and Valdese.

He said, “Over the course of my career, education has changed in significant ways, particularly with an increased focus on accountability. Today, there's a greater emphasis on data-driven decisions, standardized assessments, and ensuring that we meet specific benchmarks. This level of accountability is important, as it ensures that we’re delivering quality education and continually improving student outcomes.”

He added that some core pieces of education have stayed the same. “The most important constant is that students remain at the center of everything we do, just as it can be found within the BCPS strategic plan,” Williams said. “No matter how much policies, technologies, or expectations evolve, the heart of education is still about helping students grow, learn, and succeed. Our mission has always been, and will continue to be, focused on doing what’s best for the students in our care.”

So what keeps him going each day as an educator? He said it is “knowing that I’m making a meaningful impact on students’ lives. When I was a teacher, I could influence the students in my classroom. As an instructional coach, that impact grew wider as I supported and guided fellow teachers. Now, as a principal, the scope of my influence is even larger, shaping an entire school’s culture and affecting the lives of students, staff, and families.”

Williams enjoys the daily interactions with students. He said, “As a new high school principal, I’ve come to understand even more how meaningful relationships can create a larger, lasting impact. These connections are at the heart of what we do, and they remind me every day of the importance of our work. This ongoing pursuit of excellence and connection keeps me energized and focused on doing what’s best for our school community.”

In his spare time, Williams enjoys spending time with his family. He enjoys baking with his wife, Heather, also an educator. He said, “I’m even pretty good at decorating cakes.” The couple is involved in a marriage ministry at their local church, where they organize marriage retreats and family events. They have two graduates of Draughn and a current student at the school. He said, “With a graduate and a sophomore at NC State University, we love visiting the Raleigh area and campus whenever we can and have become some serious Wolfpack fans. Go Pack!”