Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) has named Dr. Adam Auerbach, principal of Concord Middle School, as the district’s 2026-27 Principal of the Year.  The surprise announcement was made by district staff during a pep rally on Wednesday afternoon at the school.

Auerbach, who has served as principal of Concord Middle School since 2025, is no stranger to the honor. This marks the third time he has been selected as the CCS Principal of the Year, previously earning the recognition in 2014-15 while leading Wolf Meadow Elementary School and again in 2021-22 as principal of Concord High School.

“I am extremely honored to be named the CCS Principal of the Year for 2026-27,” said Auerbach, who led Concord Middle School to a district-high 19-point increase in student proficiency for the 2025-26 school year. “I am so proud of the work we have done at Concord Middle since coming here in June of 2025. 

“To me, the recognition of Principal of the Year is an award recognizing the growth and improvements that the students and staff have achieved. We were thrilled to be the most improved school in North Carolina and know that even better days are ahead here in Miner Country.”

Auerbach has spent more than two decades in school administration, serving students and staff at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

“Dr. Auerbach has demonstrated throughout his career that outstanding leadership is about people, purpose and creating the conditions and culture for students and staff to succeed,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki. “Whether leading an elementary, middle or high school, Adam brings the same commitment to building strong relationships, setting high expectations and making his school better. Being selected as Principal of the Year for a third time speaks volumes about the consistency and impact of his leadership.”

Before joining Concord Middle School, he served as principal of Concord High School beginning in 2016. During his tenure, the school made significant academic gains, consistently met or exceeded growth expectations and saw improved results on the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey. He also helped spearhead the development of Concord High School’s Public Safety Academy and Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

Auerbach previously served as principal of Wolf Meadow Elementary School from 2011 to 2016. Under his leadership, the school increased student achievement and posted some of the district’s strongest academic growth. His work at Wolf Meadow earned him recognition as the 2015 North Carolina Southwest Regional Principal of the Year in addition to his first CCS Principal of the Year honor.

Earlier in his administrative career, Auerbach served as an assistant principal at Cox Mill High School and Weddington Hills Elementary School.  He began his career with CCS as a teacher at Cox Mill Elementary School when the school opened to students in 2002.

Auerbach holds a Doctor of Education and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University. He also earned a Master of School Administration and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida.

Auerbach lives in Concord with his wife, Anna, a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) coach at Coltrane-Webb STEM Elementary, and their two sons, both students at Concord Middle School.

“This is my 25th year in Cabarrus County Schools and I have loved every minute of my time as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal across the schools,” Auerbach said. “Cabarrus County Schools is a special place for me and my family.  This time winning Principal of the Year was even more special as both of my sons are students here at Concord Middle this year and to be able to have them here with me is a memory I will cherish forever.  Go Miners!”

As the 2026-27 CCS Principal of the Year, Auerbach will now represent Cabarrus County Schools in the Southwest Regional Principal of the Year competition as part of the Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year program.