Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) is proud to announce that Dr. Richie Wells, Principal of W.M. Irvin Elementary School, has been selected as the 2025 Cabarrus County Schools Principal of the Year. He was surprised with the announcement at his school on Monday.

Dr. Wells has served CCS since 2011, holding a variety of leadership roles that reflect his dedication to student success and school improvement. His career includes serving as principal of Beverly Hills Elementary, assistant principal at both Winecoff Elementary and C.C. Griffin STEM Middle Schools, and principal intern at H.E. Winkler Middle School.

“Dr. Wells represents the very best of school leadership,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki. “His unwavering commitment to excellence, his ability to build strong relationships, and his student-centered vision have transformed every school he has served. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and grateful for the positive impact he continues to make on the lives of students, staff, and families in Cabarrus County Schools.”

Throughout his leadership journey, Dr. Wells’ schools have consistently exceeded academic growth expectations, with all student subgroups demonstrating strong achievement. His proven track record of cultivating high-performing learning environments and fostering positive school culture has earned him widespread respect from colleagues and families alike.

One nominating colleague praised his impact, writing, “Dr. Wells is more than deserving of the honor of Principal of the Year. He has consistently created positive staff and student culture, as well as high expectations for teaching and learning. He is a humble leader that leads by example.”

Dr. Wells was selected from a distinguished group of finalists:

• Dr. Adam Auerbach, Concord Middle School
• Jessica Blanchard, R. Brown McAllister Elementary School
• Dr. Chrystal Brown, Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School
• Lacee Jacobs, Mt. Pleasant High School
• Dr. Lisa Ober, W.R. Odell Elementary School
• Chasity Szabo, Northwest Cabarrus Middle School
• Dr. Tim Taylor, Hickory Ridge Middle School

A proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Wells earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Master of School Administration, and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. He is also a member of the prestigious Principal Fellows Class of 2017. As the 2025 CCS Principal of the Year, Dr. Wells will now advance to compete for the Wells Fargo Southwest Region Principal of the Year.