Carrboro High School principal transferred to new job after investigation, district says

CARRBORO, N.C. (WNCN) – A principal at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools who had previously been placed on administrative leave is being transferred to another position, district officials said Thursday.

In a letter sent to families and staff, the school district announced the decision to reassign Carrboro High School Principal Helena Thomas to the Instructional Services Division, which is based at the district’s administrative building inside the Lincoln Center. Thomas officially begins her new position on Monday, July 21, according to an email from Superintendent Rodney Trice.

“This change is intended to support Carrboro High School in restoring stability and strengthening operations following a period of protracted disruptions,” Trice said in a statement.

The “disruptions” mentioned include a walkout staged by students and parents at Carrboro High School in late May. As the district opened an investigation into “various matters” at the high school, Chapel Hill-Carrboro leaders suspended Thomas with pay on June 10 and barred her from attending the graduation ceremony.

“These challenges have impacted the school’s ability to function as efficiently and effectively as possible, and this decision reflects my commitment to helping the CHS community move forward with renewed unity and focus,” Trice said on Thursday.

After reviewing “a range of concerns” from staff members, parents and students, the district’s investigation did not find evidence of misconduct or intentional wrongdoing against Thomas, according to Trice.

“However, a fresh start with a change in leadership is necessary to ensure we are meeting the needs of staff, students and families with confidence and clarity,” he said.

“I want to express my appreciation to Dr. Thomas for her service to Carrboro High and her continued service to our school district,” Trice added. “I am grateful that she will remain part of the CHCCS team in a new capacity.”

Associate Principal Diego Mureño and Assistant Principal Tracey Lockhart will stay at their current positions to “provide important continuity” for the 2025-26 academic year, while the district currently works to finalize a plan to name an interim principal, Trice said.