New principal named for D.H. Conley High School

A former North Carolina Charter Schools Principal of the Year has been selected to lead D.H. Conley High School.

T.J. Worrell will replace Michael Swinson as Conley’s principal beginning July 1, Pitt County Schools Deputy Superintendent Steve Lassiter said. Swinson will serve as principal of Washington High School in Beaufort County, a position he left three years ago to come to Conley.

Wednesday’s announcement is the fifth principal change PCS has released in the last two weeks. PCS Early College High School, PCS Virtual Academy, Elmhurst Elementary and Grifton schools also will begin the next school year with new principals.

Worrell, who has led Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies in Elizabeth City for the last six years, has more than 25 years of experience in education and a decade as a principal. He also has led public schools in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank and Tyrrell County.

“We are confident Mr. Worrell will be an exemplary addition to Pitt County Schools,” Lassiter said in a statement. “His familiarity and experience within the eastern North Carolina footprint is a strong cultural match that will serve the D.H. Conley High School community well and continue to build on its proud tradition.”

Worrell began his career in education as a physical education teacher and athletics director in Ocracoke. He also has taught in Nash and Perquimans counties and has served as an assistant principal in Washington County.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve as principal and work with the students, staff and community of Pitt County,” Worrell said. “I look forward to sharing my diverse experiences with the school community to ensure students leave D.H. Conley well-equipped to meet their post-secondary goals.”

Worrell earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Western Carolina University and a master’s degree in executive leadership studies from Gardner-Webb University. He received an education specialist degree in education administration and supervision from East Carolina University in 2022.