LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dr. Adam Auerbach

Position: Principal
School: Concord Middle School
School District: Cabarrus County Schools
City, State: Concord, NC

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Dr. Adam Auerbach was nominated by Dr. Linda Neely.

Dr. Auerbach, who has served as principal of Concord Middle School since 2025, is well-known. This school year marks his third selection as CCS Principal of the Year; he previously earned the recognition in 2014-15 while leading Wolf Meadow Elementary School and again in 2021-22 as principal of Concord High School.

"I am extremely honored to be named the CCS Principal of the Year for 2026-27," said Dr. Auerbach, who led Concord Middle School to a district-high 19-point increase in student proficiency for the 2025-26 school year. "I am so proud of the work we have done at Concord Middle since coming here in June of 2025. To me, Principal of the Year recognizes the growth and improvements students and staff have achieved. We were thrilled to be the most improved school in North Carolina and know that even better days are ahead here in Miner Country."

Dr. Auerbach has spent more than two decades in school administration, serving students and staff at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

"Dr. Auerbach has demonstrated throughout his career that outstanding leadership is about people, purpose, and creating the conditions and culture for students and staff to succeed," said CCS Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki. "Whether leading an elementary, middle, or high school, Adam brings the same commitment to building strong relationships, setting high expectations, and making his school better. Being selected as Principal of the Year for a third time speaks volumes about the consistency and impact of his leadership."

Before joining Concord Middle School, Dr. Auerbach served as principal of Concord High School beginning in 2016. During his tenure, the school made significant academic gains, consistently met or exceeded growth expectations, and saw improved results on the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey. He also helped spearhead the development of Concord High School's Public Safety Academy and Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. Dr. Auerbach previously served as principal of Wolf Meadow Elementary School from 2011 to 2016. Under his leadership, the school increased student achievement and posted some of the district's strongest academic growth. His work at Wolf Meadow earned him recognition as the 2015 North Carolina Southwest Regional Principal of the Year in addition to his first CCS Principal of the Year honor.

Dr. Auerbach holds a Doctor of Education and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University. He also earned a Master of School Administration and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Florida.

"This is my 25th year in Cabarrus County Schools, and I have loved every minute of my time as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal across the schools," Dr. Auerbach said. "Cabarrus County Schools is a special place for my family and me. This time, winning Principal of the Year was even more special, as both of my sons are students here at Concord Middle this year, and having them here with me is a memory I will cherish forever. Go, Miners!"

As the 2026-27 CCS Principal of the Year, Dr. Auerbach will now represent Cabarrus County Schools in the Southwest Regional Principal of the Year competition as part of the Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year program.

"I have worked with Dr. Auerbach at two schools. He is energetic, enthusiastic, personable, and a morale booster, and his vision for student achievement and dedication to supporting his staff in that goal have earned him the right and privilege of being nominated Principal of the Year three times," said Neely.

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Comments (15)

Tish Harris Posted 3 days ago

Dr. Adam Auerbach has achieved what few leaders in education can. He has turned around a school in one year and did this through supporting his teachers, staff, students, and parents. He has energy that is unsurpassed and creative ideas to involved his students positively everyday. He knows his community and provides the support that students and parents need. Bravo to him in this nomination.

Ann Fink Posted 6 days ago

Dr. Adam Auerbach has done wonders as Principal of Concord Middle School. I know students that have attended CMS for the past 6-7 years. I have gone to band concerts and many athletic events over this time period. I am amazed what he has accomplished since he has been there. The school has teachers for all positions. Staff and students are happy and proud to be there. Dr. A seems very happy to be there and it makes a difference! I first met him years ago when he was principal of Wolf Meadow Elementary School. I worked for our local Board of Elections and used Wolf Meadow as a precinct. Adam was always so nice and kind to us. I won't ever forget that. He welcomed us and worked with us to make election day smooth for poll workers and voters. I totally agree that Dr. Adam Auerbach be selected for the Life Changer of the Year Award.

Ann Fink Posted 6 days ago

Katie Helms Posted 7 days ago

Dr A. Is at every single school event. He shows up for these kids all day Monday through Friday during the day, but he doesn’t stop there. He is at every athletic event; shooting t-shirts out of a cannon, high fiving students, and engaging with parents. His presence means the world to these student athletes and their families. His presence isn’t just felt in the school; it’s district wide. He has led CMS to success!!!! His leadership has directed teachers, students, and admin for the last two years. As a parent, I am so proud to have a CMS student receiving an education under Dr A’s leadership!

Laurie Miller Posted 7 days ago

Dr A has been such an inspiration for several Cabarrus County Schools. He has been a principal at each school level & has been nominated for Principal of the year at each school. He has hired most of the teachers since arriving at Concord Middle & the school has exceeded state expectations. Nothing but positives since Dr A arrived!

Barbi Jones Posted 7 days ago

I’ve known Dr. Auerbach for 15 years, and I’ve seen him impact countless students’ and educators’ lives. He cares deeply about all students and ensures their success by removing learning barriers and sparking great belief in themselves. He supports the educators on his team and makes sure they are included in plans and programs. He has certainly been a life changer in our community!

Courtney Smith Posted 7 days ago

He mentored me as an assistant principal and taught me that creating an atmosphere where teachers and students WANT to come to school is far more powerful than any punitive system with rules and consequences. He’s the very best!

Kelley Carpenter Posted 8 days ago

Dr. A has changed the school. He has expectations for students and teachers. He recognizes students and teachers for achievements. He greets students on the car rider line and then in the hallways during homeroom. Students know and respect him. Dr. A has brought pride back to our school. Students wear Concord Middle shirts and are proud of it. Dr A. knows all the students at Concord Middle. Dr A has changed the culture back to what it was when I was a student in 1977. Students respect him and feel comfortable talking to him about frustrations they may be experiencing. Dr A is incredible!

Alliyah Rich Posted 8 days ago

In the short amount of time I’ve known Dr. A, he has helped me grow as both an educator and future school leader. He has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and helped me achieve goals that in the past the school climate made difficult. He has done the same for our students, and other staff members at CMS. We are beyond blessed to have him as our principal and I am thankful for the work he has done for me & our students!

Lisa Shropshire Posted 8 days ago

I am the school nurse at Concord Middle. I first worked with Dr. Auerbach when he was an AP at Weddington Hills Elementary in 2006. I worked with him again as a fill in SN while he was Principal at Concord High (where he was also my daughter’s Principal). Now, I’m so happy to be working with him full time at CMS. I’ve been at CMS for 14 years, and I’ve seen administrators come and go (a lot). Dr. A is, by far, the best administrator we have ever had at CMS. He is all in, 100% invested in the students and staff. He has changed the culture of the school in tremendous ways. He took a student body that was broken, defeated, and uninspired, with one of the worst reputations in the district, and completely turned everything around in ONE YEAR. By hiring and retaining wonderful teachers and staff, encouraging them and LEADING them, they have been able to meet students where they are and challenge them in ways that have improved their grades, their attitudes, and instilled pride in themselves and their school like never before. Dr. A has a gift for inspiring and motivating students and staff. He is fair, encouraging, and more supportive than any administrator I have worked with in my 20 year SN career. I am so glad he is at CMS, and I think he definitely has earned and deserves this award.

Makenzie Fain Posted 8 days ago

Dr. A was my principal while I was a student at Concord High School. He was always supportive of students and wanted us to grow. As someone who went to Concord Middle School, all I’ve wanted is for CMS to truly represent Concord in a positive way. Dr.A has helped CMS return to being a school of love, community, and pride. Students are now thriving because of his leadership at CMS. Although I am an educator at a different school, he is still someone I know I can reach out to for guidance and support. I am very thankful for the encouragement he gave me in high school to become a teacher. Thank you Dr. A for all you do for our community!

Dawn Posted 8 days ago

Dr. A is such a great leader and role model for his students and staff! Always on top of his game!

Amber Posted 8 days ago

I truly don’t think words can ever fully express how grateful our family is for you. You have been so much more than a principal to our children—you have been a mentor, a leader, an advocate, and someone who genuinely cares about the kids and families in this school. Over the years, you have helped mold our children in ways that go far beyond academics. You have encouraged them, challenged them, believed in them, and helped them grow into better, more confident young people. You have also been there for our family during moments when we needed someone to listen, understand, and help guide us. What makes you so special is that you don’t just lead a school—you build a community. Your impact can be seen in the students, the teachers, the families, and the culture you have created. You have left a lasting mark on our family, and I know we are just one of so many families who can say the same. Thank you for everything you do, for every child you have encouraged, and for the countless ways you have made a difference that may never even be seen. We are incredibly blessed to have had you as part of our children’s lives. Your legacy at these school’s will be felt for years to come. ❤️

Pastor Frederick Merry Posted 8 days ago

I was full time substitute at Concord High School when Dr A took over as Principal. His dedication to his profession and his dedication to staff and students was impressive. He never treated me like a substitute, but he considered me as staff. He was always encouraging and supportive to me. He always had a kind word and never saw him as anything but making Concord High better. Dr A well deserves this Award. Preach

Katelyn Durham Posted 8 days ago

Dr. A has made such a difference at Concord Middle! He’s involved and makes his presence known in the school. He’s stern when needed and someone the kids are comfortable to talk to! I have seen GREAT progress not only in the school, but the staff, and students. Keep up the great job!