Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools names new principal of Ardrey Kell High School
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has named a new principal of Ardrey Kell High School following the controversial suspension and retirement of its former leader.
Susan Nichols announced she is the new principal in a video posted to the district’s YouTube channel Wednesday. Nichols currently serves as principal of Charlotte Engineering Early College and Charlotte Teacher Early College. Prior to that, she served as principal of Eastover Middle School and assistant principal at Northwest Cabarrus High School in Concord.
“I realize that change can be challenging, but it also brings new opportunities,” Nichols said in the video. “I want to assure you that my commitment is to build strong bonds and earn your trust.”
Nichols’ announcement comes less than a month after CMS told parents former Ardrey Kell principal Jamie Brooks was “away for a period,” in a message May 23. A records request later revealed that Brooks had been suspended with pay May 2.
Ardrey Kell parents expressed concern that they were not notified of the suspension for three weeks.
“I want to know why we didn’t know sooner,” Karla Stovall, Ardrey Kell Parent Teacher Student Association president told The Observer earlier this month. “What you’re saying to us is there is an issue, but you’re not telling us what it is or how to fix it.”
CMS announced Brooks’ plan to retire May 29.
Parent feedback
The district previously said it planned to have a new principal chosen by July 1. District leaders met with Ardrey Kell parents to develop their ideal profile for the school’s new principal June 9. Some parents said they were skeptical CMS took their feedback into consideration with such a quick turnaround.
“We were under the assumption that the profile was just being finalized,” Sarah Dorsey, an Ardrey Kell parent, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday. “She very well may be a great fit, but CMS has seemed to fail to truly take this in the direction they’ve promised.”
Dorsey was also critical of the content of the video, calling it “PR fluff.” Nevertheless, she said her gripe lies with the district — not with Nichols.
“I think the best way to move forward is with an open mind,” she said. “I plan to be very supportive and involved, just as I always have been. But, I also plan to hold CMS accountable.”
The Observer previously asked CMS June 5 if it already had candidates being considered for the job. A district spokesperson said that information was confidential.
Ardrey Kell is located in south Charlotte and currently has over 3,400 students, making it one of the largest high schools in the state.
This story was originally published June 18, 2025 at 1:12 PM.
