“Every child, every chance, every day:” That’s Dr. Latreicia Allen’s mantra.
“Through intentional leadership, data-informed decision-making and authentic community partnerships, we have built a school where students thrive, families feel valued and teachers grow,” Allen said. “Every success we celebrate is a reflection of collective commitment and the belief that when relationships, rigor and relevance align, extraordinary learning happens.”
It all starts with equipping teachers with the tools they need to succeed. John Griffin Middle School’s (JGMS) biannual Think-Tank Conference gives both teachers and classified staff an opportunity to host professional development sessions for their coworkers.
The success of the conference led to the development of monthly, peer-led professional development sessions and cross-school learning walks, in which educators visit other high-performing schools for inspiration.
Since becoming principal in 2023, Allen has transitioned the school’s discipline model from one that was punitive to a model rooted in empathy, reflection and accountability. She also leads her team in reviewing both discipline and achievement data to identify and disrupt inequitable patterns based on race, gender, language status and special education.
In the past two years, JGMS’s school performance grade has improved from C to B, and the school has met or exceeded growth expectations each year. The school ranked sixth in student growth among all schools in Cumberland County for 2024-2025.
Additionally, teachers have expressed appreciation for Allen’s professional development strategy. Results from the 2024 North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey show a 30.4% increase among JGMS teachers agreeing that professional learning is differentiated to meet their needs.
Dr. Eric Bracy, superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, said Allen’s leadership has transformed John Griffin Middle School from the inside out.
“Her relentless pursuit of excellence, data-informed decision-making and genuine belief in the potential of every child have made John Griffin Middle School a beacon of what's possible in public education,” Bracy wrote in a letter of recommendation to support Allen’s Principal of the Year application. “She is visionary, compassionate and results-driven, and she represents the spirit of educational excellence we strive to cultivate across Cumberland County Schools.”