A Buncombe County Schools administrator has received a big honor and will be a voice for students, teachers, and administrators across the state.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has named Lindsay Rice of A.C. Reynolds Middle School its 2025 North Carolina Assistant Principal of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding elementary level and middle school assistant principals who have demonstrated success in leadership, curriculum, and personalization.
“It is very humbling,” said Mrs. Rice. “Assistant principals do important work to keep schools working the way they should. They make sure students have everything they need to succeed and make sure teachers have everything they need to succeed. I feel very honored.”
Mrs. Rice was nominated by her peers as the Assistant Principal of the Year and was required to submit essays about her leadership philosophy and practices for the state selection. She joins an elite group from across the country participating in the NAESP national leadership program.
“I am honored to represent A.C. Reynolds Middle and the Buncombe County Schools system,” Rice added.
She has served in leadership roles for 14 years. In addition to Reynolds Middles, she’s served at Buncombe County Early College and T.C. Roberson High School.