Deemed to have “a relentless focus on equity and academic excellence,” C.C. Spaulding’s Principal Dr. Vanessa Alford was named 2025-2026 Durham Public Schools Principal of the Year during a surprise announcement in front of her students and staff this morning. The selfless veteran educator and mentor to many other educators is deeply committed to the holistic development of her scholars, according to DPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis.
Dr. Alford tearfully accepted the honor acknowledging her students, staff, and family. She paid homage to her parents, one of whom was only able to finish eighth grade but who both greatly valued education, she said. She pointed to her son who sat in the front row of the auditorium, saying that she always pushed herself for him because she wanted him to know that education was always the great leveler.
Students took turns to share testimonies:
“We love you because you first loved us,” said a fifth grader.
Dr. Lewis said, “As principal of C.C. Spaulding, she has transformed the school into a nurturing, high-performing learning environment where every child is both challenged and supported. Her leadership has led to measurable gains in student achievement, particularly in literacy and math, while narrowing opportunity gaps for historically underserved student groups.
Dr. Alford is equally committed to the professional growth of her staff. She has cultivated a collaborative culture of instructional excellence, empowering teachers through high-quality professional development, Dr. Alford thanked her colleagues for their unwavering support.
“I’m humbled. It could have been anybody, but my colleagues noted that it was my time. They are here to support me,” she said.
Superintendent Lewis also notes Dr. Alford’s open-door leadership style, parent partnerships, and family and community engagement that have created “not just a school, but a hub of pride and support for its families.”
Dr. Alford will now advance to the regional Principal of the Year competition.