KINGWOOD — An experienced educator who is no stranger to Preston County is the new principal at the county’s only high school.
The Preston County Board of Education hired Carrie Pratt, of Morgantown, on a 5-0 vote Monday evening. She will begin work today as the principal at Preston High School (PHS).
“I am an educator and I’m a champion for students,” she told the board.
Pratt’s husband was stationed at Camp Dawson 2010-13, during which time she did substitute teaching and volunteer tutoring in Preston schools. Their daughter attended Kingwood Elementary.
A Navy veteran herself, the family’s life in the military has enabled her to have varied experiences in education, both as a teacher and student.
She taught special education in Monongalia County Schools 2004-05, and taught special and general education in the Wake County Public School System for three years. Wake is the largest K-12 public school district in North Carolina.
This month the Pratts moved to Morgantown from Fairfax County, Va., when her husband was transferred by the military.
Pratt worked in Virginia from 2013 until the move. She was an assistant elementary principal and worked in the central office. Fairfax is the nation’s 10th largest public school system.
In the central office she served 100 school-based technology specialists throughout the system, “really changing the way teaching learning happens at the middle and high school level.”
Her last day of work in Virginia was Dec. 4. She likes to be busy, Pratt said.
“Idle time does not do me well,” she said. “I’m busy. I love to read and even just a couple weeks away from schools and working with educational colleagues, it’s been a long several weeks, so I’m excited to get started.”
Pratt holds a doctor of education degree in transformative leadership from the University of New England, master’s degree in education from West Virginia University, post-master’s certificate in educational leadership and administration from The George Washington University, associate degree in general studies from Palomar College and technical certificate in practical nursing/vocational nursing from the Maric College of Medical Careers.
The family is excited to be back in West Virginia, Pratt said.
“Welcome to Preston County, Dr. Pratt,” Board Member Pam Feathers said after the vote.
“Good luck,” added Board Member Jeff Zigray.
Preston Superintendent Steve Wotring said Pratt was the unanimous choice of the hiring committee from the 17 applicants for the position.
PHS Principal Steve Plum left the job earlier this month to take the position of county transportation director.
TWEET@DominionPostWV
