Patton’s Sain named BCPS Principal of the Year

Morganton, NC – Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023

Burke County Public Schools has named Patton High School Principal Dr. Dillon Sain the 2023-2024 Principal of the Year for the district. Sain’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. 

“I am humbled and honored by the nomination from my peers. I know everyone is working extremely hard 24/7 as principal, and all are worthy of positive praise,” Sain said of the honor of being chosen as Principal of the Year by his peers.

Sain said, “The world and education are ever changing. Student needs have changed, and we must continue to tailor our delivery to best meet the needs of all students. I understand that parents are sending us their best, and I feel it is my duty to do my best for each and every student.” 

Sain credits the support he has received from the district for helping him prepare for the principal role. He said, “I learned a lot in our district’s Assistant Principal Leadership Academy as well as New Principal Leadership Academy. Our district leaders have taught me and my peers things that cannot be taught in master’s and doctorate programs. I am grateful for their life experiences and wisdom that has been shared. I have also learned from my peers. We are all in this together and can always learn from one another as administrators.” 

Sain’s advice for new principals is to put students first. He said, “Do your best for each student daily. You never know what type of hardship a student is carrying at home or in their social life. I try to create an environment where all students feel safe, welcome and seen. Invest in relationships with your students and working relationships with staff and the results will follow.” 

Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said, “Dr. Sain is a strong leader with Burke County Public Schools, and he is deserving of this recognition from his peers. Dr. Sain has a passion for education and for seeing students push to do their best and succeed. He is calm under pressure and has great expectations for his students and staff. We are excited to see where he goes from here as he represents us at the regional Principal of the Year level.” 

Sain is a product of Burke County Public Schools and a graduate of Freedom High School. He received his bachelor’s in science in physical education from Appalachian State University, and his master’s of art executive leadership studies and his doctor of education from Gardner Webb University. Sain started his education career as a teacher assistant at W.A. Young Elementary School. He went on to teach PE at Heritage Middle and Freedom High. His career in school administration started at Draughn High as an assistant principal and athletic director before being named principal at Heritage Middle School. He has been the principal at Patton High School since 2021. 
    
Sain and his wife, Dedra, a science teacher at Draughn High, have a 5-year-old daughter and a 2-month-old son. He enjoys spending time with family and working in the yard in his free time. He also enjoys being a part of his students’ lives. He said, “My family and I love attending any and all events that include Patton High students.”