Dr. Ryan Ewell named Cleveland Elementary principal

Submitted by JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Dr. Ryan Ewell was named the principal of Cleveland Elementary at a recent Johnston County Board of Education meeting. Ewell has served Johnston County Public Schools since 2017 as the assistant principal at Selma Middle School.

Ewell served a dual-principal residency at Warren County Middle School and Vaughan Elementary School in the 2016-2017 school year.

“I am truly honored to serve as the next principal of Cleveland Elementary School,” he said. “I look forward to building lasting relationships with the students and families in the Cleveland community. Together we will continue to achieve greater levels of excellence.”

Ewell began his role as principal on July 1, filling the vacancy left by Maureen Hanahue’s retirement.

Before serving in administration, he was a teacher at Warren New Technology High School in Warrenton.

Ewell is well known among his colleagues and school community for working to build relationships with his students and their families, while focusing on achievement.

“Dr. Ewell will be an asset to the Cleveland Elementary community,” said Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy. “He is committed to his students and the school’s success.”

Ewell recently defended his dissertation, earning his doctorate in educational leadership from East Carolina University in 2021. He earned his Master of School Administration from North Carolina State University, and is a past recipient of the Warren New Technology High School Teacher of the Year Award.