The Craven County educational community is mourning the profound loss of Catherine Alligood, the highly esteemed Principal of A.H. Bangert Elementary School. A passionate, lifelong educator who spent nearly three decades inspiring students and mentoring teachers in eastern North Carolina, Catherine passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. She was 60 years old.
Known for her extensive background in the biological sciences, her innovative approach to STEM curriculum development, and her deep devotion to elementary education, Catherine leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence and deep care for the families of New Bern.
| Profile Parameter | Verified Academic, State, & Administrative Credentials |
| Full Legal Name | Catherine Alligood |
| Date of Passing | Tuesday, July 7, 2026 |
| Primary District Affiliation | Craven County Schools (New Bern, NC) |
| Current Professional Title | Principal, A.H. Bangert Elementary School (2016–2026) |
| Historical School Ties | Trent Park Elementary · Ben D. Quinn Elementary · Carroll Middle School |
| State Certifications | K-6 Elementary Education · 6-9 Science · 9-12 Biology · Administration |
| Undergraduate Education | Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology & Education, Meredith College (1987) |
| Post-Graduate Licensure | School Administration Licensure, University of North Carolina Wilmington (2015) |
From the Science Lab to the Principal’s Office
Catherine discovered her calling in the classroom shortly after graduating from Meredith College in 1987, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Education. She began her career in Raleigh, teaching science at Carroll Middle School within the Wake County Public School System for five years.
In December 1997, Catherine found her permanent professional home in New Bern, joining Craven County Schools. For more than 15 years, she served as a foundational science teacher at Trent Park Elementary School. Her unique ability to make complex biological concepts accessible and thrilling to young minds eventually caught the attention of district leadership.
In March 2013, she was tapped to become Craven County’s STEM Project Manager, a role in which she designed and implemented hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives across the entire district.
A Decade of Devoted Leadership at Bangert Elementary
Recognizing her natural leadership and desire to impact school culture on a broader scale, Catherine earned her advanced licensure in School Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2015. She served as the Assistant Principal at Ben D. Quinn Elementary School from 2014 to 2016 before earning her ultimate appointment as the Principal of A.H. Bangert Elementary School in July 2016.
For a full decade, Catherine guided the Bangert “Bear Cubs” community with a steady hand, a warm smile, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential. She cultivated an environment where teachers felt deeply supported and students were encouraged to be curious about the world around them.
“Catherine didn’t just manage a school; she nurtured a community,” shared a longtime Craven County colleague. “Her background as a science teacher meant she was always looking for ways to innovate, but her heart was purely focused on the well-being of her kids and staff. She knew every student by name.”
The shocking news of her passing has led to a widespread outpouring of grief from generations of parents, former students, and fellow administrators across New Bern.
Community Condolences and Memorial Support
The Craven County School District is preparing comprehensive grief counseling and emotional support services for the staff, students, and families of Bangert Elementary as they navigate this immense loss ahead of the upcoming school year.
The Alligood family, alongside representatives from Craven County Schools, will share formal funeral details, public viewing times, and memorial donation preferences in the coming days.