The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) — Derek Cantrell, principal of Alleghany High School and the 2026 Outstanding High School Principal of Virginia, has published a new book titled “Better Together: Building One School, One Culture, and One Community from Two Rivals.”
The book chronicles Cantrell’s experience uniting Alleghany High School and Covington High School into a single school community under the Alleghany High School name. This followed the July 2022 consolidation of Alleghany County Public Schools and Covington City Public Schools, which created Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, with the two high schools officially merging at the start of the 2023 school year.
Cantrell also has deep roots in the local school system. He attended Alleghany County Public Schools as a student and later returned as a teacher and coach before eventually serving as principal of Covington High School from 2016 to 2022, the final principal before the consolidation of the two divisions.
“Better Together” offers practical insights on leadership, school culture, and fostering collaboration among students, staff and families. While rooted in the Alleghany Highlands experience, the book also offers practical strategies for school leaders across the country who are working to build strong school cultures and guide communities through change.
“Bringing two longtime rival schools together was about much more than combining schedules and buildings. It was about building trust, honoring traditions from both communities, and creating a culture where students and staff truly felt they belonged,”
Cantrell said. “My hope is that this book shares lessons from that journey and helps other school leaders navigate change while keeping people at the center of the work.”
Kim Halterman, and Melinda Snead-Johnson, leaders of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, said, “Derek’s leadership during the consolidation was inspiring. This book reflects his dedication to students, staff, and the community. His ability to bring people together and create a unified school culture is a model for educators everywhere. ‘Better Together’ captures the heart of what it means to lead with purpose.”
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