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Southside High School Principal, Justin Holt, will start his new role as principal of West Carteret High School on June 23, Carteret County Public School System (CCPS) announced on May 15. 

Starting in December of 2021, Holt led the Seahawks for over three years. He has obtained two Bachelor’s degrees in History and Spanish from UNC-Chapel Hill as well as a Master’s Degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from UNC-Chapel Hill. He received Educational Leadership licensure from Wingate University. “He is currently completing an Educational Leadership Doctoral degree from East Carolina University with a projected completion date of May 2026,” CCPS shared. 

Before moving to Beaufort County, Holt served as an assistant principal and Dean of Students in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools at Myers Park High School. 

“During his tenure at Southside High School, Holt stated that the school led the district in College and Technical Education (CTE) credentials earned, while more than 15% of students were enrolled in College and Career Promise courses. The school also quadrupled its Advanced Placement courses and had ‘Met’ or ‘Exceeded’ state academic expectations since 2022,” CCPS shared. 

“As I begin my 25th year in North Carolina public education,” Holt said in an announcement from CCPS. “I’m honored to join the Carteret County School System and lead at West Carteret High School. I look forward to learning its proud traditions and working with students, staff, and families to continue to build community and advance academic success for all.” 

At this time, Beaufort County Schools, “has not officially announced” who will replace Holt, a spokesperson for the school district told the Daily News.