CHARLOTTE — Roughly 21% of Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools principals changed roles last school year, according to new state data.
Of CMS’s 180 school leaders, 18 moved to new schools within the district, and 19 left CMS entirely between March 2024 and March 2025.
Retirement and taking jobs in other public school systems were the most common reasons for leaving, the district said.
Education advocates say retaining principals—especially in the same school building—is critical for student success, according to the Charlotte Observer.
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Research shows that stability in school leadership boosts student outcomes and helps keep teachers from leaving.
High‑poverty schools tend to experience higher turnover, prompting the state to create the Principal Recruitment Supplement Program, which offers $30,000 a year to highly effective principals who commit to high‑need schools. Only 20 schools participated this year.
Statewide, 14.5% of principals changed roles or left their positions, and national attrition rates have dropped since the pandemic spike.
Surveys show most North Carolina principals still enjoy their jobs but report long work weeks and a need for more professional development, especially around behavior support and serving diverse learners.
Teacher turnover remains a challenge as well. About 15% of CMS teachers left the district last year—lower than the post‑pandemic peak but still above pre‑COVID levels.
Many cited retirement or career changes, with inadequate compensation being the top reason for leaving the profession.
North Carolina ranks near the bottom nationally in teacher pay and school funding, and average teacher compensation fell 1% this school year.
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