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HHS gets a new principal

John McDaris

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 14, 2026

The Henderson County public school system on Tuesday announced the hiring of John McDaris as the new principal of Hendersonville High School, effective March 2, following the retirement of longtime educator and administrator Laura Bruegger, the current principal.

Bruegger, who has dedicated her career to serving Henderson County students and families, leaves a lasting legacy of leadership, compassion and commitment to excellence. 

McDaris brings extensive leadership experience and a strong record of student-centered school improvement to Hendersonville High School. Most recently, he served as principal of Rugby Middle School, where he was named the 2023-24 Henderson County Public Schools Principal of the Year. 

“Dr. McDaris is the kind of leader every school community hopes for,” Superintendent Mark R. Garrett said. “He leads with integrity, purpose, and a deep belief in the potential of every student. The Hendersonville High School Bearcat family is gaining a principal who will honor the school’s proud traditions while continuing to move it forward in meaningful ways.”

McDaris joined Henderson County public school district in 2014 as an assistant principal at North Henderson High School after four years as a social studies teacher in Transylvania County. He later served as assistant principal and athletic director at West Henderson High School before becoming principal of Rugby Middle School in 2021, where McDaris’s leadership helped strengthen school culture, academic growth and staff collaboration.

“I consider it an honor to have this opportunity to serve the students, staff, and community at Hendersonville High School,” McDaris said in a news release. “The Bearcats have an incredibly rich history and tradition that serves as a source of great pride in our county and beyond. I am looking forward to contributing to the legacy of exceptional outcomes that all Bearcats expect.”

McDaris holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences education and political science, a master’s degree in school administration and a doctorate in educational leadership from Western Carolina University.