Our Administration
Mr. Channing Bennett
Principal
Mr. Channing Bennett was named principal of Smith Middle School in July 2026. Mr. Bennett most recently served as the Principal of Glenwood Elementary School from 2019 to 2026. During his time at Glenwood, he led the building through its transition to become a STEAM2 magnet school and significantly improved the school's overall academic growth and proficiency for students. Prior to his role as Principal, he served as Assistant Principal at Glenwood beginning in 2017, following a principal internship at Morris Grove Elementary.
Mr. Bennett began his teaching career at Smith Middle School as a science teacher, teaching students in grades 6-8. In addition to fostering a passion for science in his students, he took on several extracurricular roles at the school, coaching cross country and ultimate frisbee and leading many teams to conference championships. He served on the school's equity and PBIS teams, leading initiatives to recognize and reinforce positive behaviors in students. Mr. Bennett was named Smith Middle School's Teacher of the Year in 2015 and went on to serve as a district finalist for the award. As he transitioned out of the classroom, he moved into the role of Instructional Technology Facilitator at Smith, supporting students and staff in integrating technology to increase engagement and improve instructional outcomes.
Mr. Bennett graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grade Education with concentrations in Science and English Language Arts. He received his Master's in School Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. He has completed graduate certificates in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development and in Educational Research and Evaluation, both from High Point University. Mr. Bennett is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at High Point University.
Email: tlockhart@chccs.k12.nc.us
Ext. 21707
Tracey Lockhart
Principal Support
Ms. Kara Johnson
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Kara Johnson has proudly served students and families in public education since 2014. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from North Carolina Central University and began her career as a third-grade teacher with Durham Public Schools. She later earned her Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2019 and is currently completing her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill. Prior to serving as Principal of Smith Middle School, Mrs. Johnson held leadership roles as the Assistant Principal at C & L McDougle Middle School and the Testing Coordinator/MTSS Coach at Riverside High School.
As an instructional leader, Mrs. Johnson is committed to creating a student-centered school culture where every learner feels valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. She believes that strong relationships, collaboration, and high expectations are essential to student success and is passionate about partnering with staff, students, families, and the community to ensure all students thrive both academically and personally.
Outside of school, Mrs. Johnson enjoys spending time with her husband and their two kids. In her free time, she loves building LEGO sets, cheering on the Tar Heels, traveling, and reading. She is honored to serve the Smith Middle School community and looks forward to another successful year of learning, growth, and achievement together.