2 Cumberland County high school principals to swap roles in upcoming school year

Two high school principals in Cumberland County Schools will swap roles in the 2025-2026 school year, the district announced June 9.

Dr. Catherine Abraham-Johnson, who has been principal at Terry Sanford High since 2023, will be the new principal for Massey Hill Classical High School, according to a news release from the school system.

Dr. Catherine Abraham-Johnson will become the new principal of Massey Hill Classical High School, and Dr. Douglas Massengill will transition to serve as the principal of Terry Sanford High School.

Dr. Douglas Massengill, who has been principal at Massey Hill Classical High School since 2022, will transition to Terry Sanford High School.

According to the release, the leadership transfers are part of the superintendent's transfer authority, which does not require Board of Education approval.

"Under the leadership of Dr. Abraham-Johnson and Dr. Massengill, CCS looks forward to the continued progress and success at both schools," the release states.

Abraham-Johnson

Abraham-Johnson has also previously served as principal at E.E. Miller Elementary School and has held a range of administrative positions across the district, including assistant principal roles at Cumberland Mills Elementary School and Terry Sanford High School, the release states.

During her career, she has also served as an instructional coach and classroom teacher.

Abraham-Johnson has her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington; a Master of Education in reading from Fayetteville State University; and a Master of School Administration from UNC-Wilmington, the news release stated.

Massengill

According to the release, during Massengill’s time as principal of Massey Hill Classical High School, the school has increased Advanced Placement enrollment by 52% and earned its first-ever AP Honor Roll "Silver" and "Access" designations.

Massengill has previously served as a principal in Moore, Sampson and New Hanover counties, and he began his administrative career as an assistant principal in Harnett County.

He also taught middle school social studies in Cumberland and Hoke counties.

Massengill earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Gardner-Webb University and also earned his specialist and master’s degrees there, the release states.

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at [email protected] or 910-486-3528.