Harnett County Schools

06/02/2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SECU SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS🎓

Harnett County Schools Board of Education recognized six outstanding seniors selected to receive the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Scholarship, valued at $10,000 each.

These students were selected by the SECU District Selection Committee for their academic achievement, leadership, character, and commitment to their communities.

Please join us in congratulating:

Payton Black - Harnett Central High School
Adair Colmenero - Harnett Central High School
Caroline Wrench - Triton High School
Cole Stevens - Triton High School*
Re'Ali Rivers - Overhills High School*
Julia Sebastian - Western Harnett High

*Not Pictured

06/01/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the Harnett County Schools Class of 2026! 🎓

As we celebrate our graduates and reflect on their accomplishments, we are proud to share that 1,260 graduates from our six high schools earned an incredible $35.4 million in scholarship offers, an increase of $10.7 million from last year’s graduating class!

These remarkable achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our students, as well as the unwavering support of their families, teachers, staff, and community.

As our graduates begin the next chapter of their journey, whether entering college, the workforce, the military, or pursuing other opportunities, we wish them continued success and fulfillment. Remember, you will always be a part of the Harnett County Schools family.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your educational journey. Keep reaching for your dreams and continue Inspiring Learners to Be Leaders.

🎉 Congratulations, Class of 2026!

05/27/2026

🎉 FREE Summer Meals for Kids! ☀️🍎

School may be out for the summer, but healthy meals are still on the menu! Starting June 1 through July 30, we’re serving FREE breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday to all children and teens ages 18 and under — no registration or ID required, just come by and enjoy a meal.

Breakfast will include shelf-stable items for the following morning. Please note that meal service in the parks will not take place June 29–July 2.

Starting June 1 through July 30, you can find us at the following locations:

Boone Trail Community Center and Library from 11:15 - 11:45 am
8500 Old US Hwy 421, Lillington, NC

Anderson Creek County Park from 12:00 - 12:30 pm
1491 Nursery Rd., Lillington, NC

Jack Marley Park from 11:15 - 11:45 am
55 North Broad St. W., Angier, NC

Erwin Park from 12:15 - 12:45 pm
810 South 16th St., Erwin NC

"This institution is an equal opportunity employer."

05/25/2026

As we reflect this Memorial Day, Harnett County Schools extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have served and to the families who carry their legacy forward. May we never forget the true meaning of this day. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Frederick Clarida on his appointment as Principal of Overhills High School!

Mr. Clarida brings more than 30 years of educational experience to Harnett County Schools, including decades of service as an agriculture educator and school administrator. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement, leadership development, and building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families.

Mr. Clarida has served in several leadership roles across the district, including assistant principal positions at STAR Academy, Harnett Central High School, and Triton High School, as well as interim principal at Overhills High School.

He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Education from North Carolina A&T State University and later obtained his principal certification from UNC Greensboro. Mr. Clarida is also a National Board Certified Teacher and recipient of a State Honorary Degree.

We are excited to welcome Mr. Clarida as principal of Overhills High School and look forward to the continued success of Jaguar Nation under his leadership!

05/22/2026

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Kristina Clarida on her appointment as Principal of Lafayette Year-Round School!

Ms. Clarida has served Harnett County Schools for more than a decade, beginning her career as a first-grade teacher at Lillington-Shawtown Elementary before continuing at North Harnett Primary. Most recently, she has served as assistant principal and interim principal at Lafayette Year-Round School, where she has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, staff collaboration, and school leadership.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from North Carolina A&T State University and recently completed her master’s degree in School Administration from Campbell University.

We are excited for the future of Lafayette Year-Round School under Ms. Clarida’s leadership and look forward to the continued success of the school community.

05/18/2026

Who says learning stops when the dismissal bell rings? Certainly not at North Harnett Primary School! 🔔

Our After-School Tutoring Program proves that a little extra time, encouragement, and support can make a BIG difference as students continue to grow, succeed, and shine. Even better, Harnett County Schools is creating opportunities for our own students to step up, serve, lead, and make an impact through this grant-funded program.

05/08/2026

Great things are happening in Harnett County Schools! 🌟

🎥 Click below for video!

Hats off to our incredible educators for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to student success. Every day, they create meaningful opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

This is "Teacher Appreciation HCS 2026" by MOAL on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

As we continue celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, ​Harnett County Schools proudly honored the dedicated educators and staff members whose years of service have helped shape generations of students across our district.

During our Retirement Banquet on May 6, retirees were celebrated with an evening of fellowship, gratitude, and recognition for the lasting impact they have made in our schools and community. The program included a welcome from Superintendent W. Brooks Matthews, retiree recognition by Monica Thompson, retirement presentations by Superintendent Matthews and Virginia Taylor, and closing remarks from Board Vice Chair Bradley Abate.

To each of our retirees, thank you for your years of service, commitment, and dedication to inspiring learners and changing lives. Your legacy will continue to impact Harnett County Schools for years to come. ❤️🍎

Harnett County Schools Retirement Honorees

​Anderson Creek Primary:
Christie Bolton
Stephanie Bullock-Parker
Jessica Smith

Benhaven Elementary:
Thomas Esposito
Lisa Godfrey

Buies Creek Elementary:
Mary Merry

Central Office:
Brookie Ferguson
Johnna Haskins
Christopher Mace
Rebecca Wade

Child Nutrition:
Robert McLamb

Coats-Erwin Middle:
Wanda Kuehner
Layne Massengill
Kevin Nelson
James Raines

Custodial Services:
Michael Holden
Raymond Murphy

Dunn Elementary:
Teresa Carter

Erwin Elementary:
Jose Caro
Jeana Clermont
Christie Hamilton
James McLean
Wendy Whittenton

Harnett Central High:
Sheila Perkins

​Harnett Central Middle:
Theresa Carver
Regina Griggs
Rita Jernigan-Perry
Monica Rouse
Sarah Witt

Harnett County Early College:
Denise Logan

Highland Elementary:
Michelle Holt

Highland Middle:
Lisa Hall
Lial Miller
Caren Peterson
Catherine Scott

Johnsonville Elementary:
Lois Lowery

LaFayette Year-Round:
Angela Norris

Lillington-Shawtown Elementary:
Patricia Davis
Jennifer Phillips

Maintenance:
Anthony Coleman
Steve Matthews

Northwest Harnett Elementary:
Leigh Ann Fenn
Shirley Zimmer

Overhills Elementary:
Terry Wagner

Overhills High:
Angela Jones
Gail Mays

STAR Academy:
Christina Rimbach
Kristen Wright

Triton High:
Agnes Holden
Paula West

Western Harnett High:
Audra DeSorbo

Western Harnett Middle:
Tara Smith