Buncombe County Schools is proud to recognize two outstanding school leaders for their dedication to students, staff, and their school communities. 

Megan Davis of Charles D. Owen Middle School has been named the 2026-2027 Middle & High School Assistant Principal of the Year, while Margo Hale of William W. Estes Elementary and Charles T. Koontz Intermediate has been named the 2026-2027 Elementary & Intermediate School Assistant Principal of the Year. 

Assistant principals play an important role in creating welcoming, supportive, and successful learning environments. From encouraging students and supporting teachers to helping manage the day-to-day needs of a school, these leaders work behind the scenes and alongside their school communities to help every student succeed. 

At Charles D. Owen Middle School, Ms. Davis is known for her commitment to students and staff and for helping create a school culture where students feel supported and encouraged to reach new heights. 

“Ms. Davis gives everything she has and more to Owen Middle,” said Principal Bradley McMahan. “There is no one who wears more hats in a day than Ms. Davis. Whether she is coordinating and driving buses, building a master schedule, or stepping in to teach classes, she does it all with dedication and a commitment to our students and staff.”

Her impact can also be seen through the relationships she builds with students. 

“Ms. Davis is awesome, because she is doing a lot of different things,” said sixth grader Henry. “She’s always super nice and happy about everything.”

Mrs. Hale serves students and staff across both William W. Estes Elementary and Charles T. Koontz Intermediate. Her leadership, dedication, and willingness to support those around her have made her an important part of both school communities. 

“Mrs. Hale is the person you want in your corner when things get complicated,” said William W. Estes Elementary Assistant Principal Whitley Burleson. “After nearly three decades of serving students and schools, she continues to show up every day with the same dedication and care. She is generous with her time and knowledge and genuinely wants those around her to succeed.”

For students, an assistant principal can be more than an administrator. They can be a familiar face in the hallway, a source of encouragement, and someone they know is there to help. 

“Ms. Hale is really nice and sweet,” said student Margot. “We share the same name and that’s pretty cool!”

Being named Assistant Principal of the Year recognizes not only the leadership Ms. Davis and Mrs. Hale demonstrates each day, but also the positive difference they make in the lives of students, families, and staff. 

Congratulations to Megan Davis and Margo Hale on this well-deserved recognition. Buncombe County Schools is grateful for their leadership and for all of our assistant principals who work each day to help students and schools continue to reach new heights.