RALEIGH - Wake County has announced its finalists for principal and assistant principal of the year, including several selections from western Wake schools.

The principal of the year finalists are Mary Page of Bugg Elementary, Annice Williams of Barwell Elementary, Teresa Winstead of Durant Road Elementary, John Wall of North Garner Middle and Edward McFarland of Fuquay-Varina High.

The assistant principal of the year finalists are Melissa Blackmon of Willow Springs Elementary, Lisa Brown of Leesville Road Elementary, Edna Fay Jones of Forest Pines Elementary, Christopher Coby of Wendell Middle and Robert Matheson of Apex High.

The finalists are nominated by the school system's principal and assistant principals. Three of the five principal finalists are at year-round schools.

Barwell Elementary has recently been in the midst of controversy over how Wake notified parents they could take advantage of No Child Left Behind transfer options.

The school did make adequate yearly progress this year, and would be able to stop offering transfers to families if it passes for a second consecutive year.

Still, Barwell has the lowest passing rate on state exams of any elementary school in Wake.

The 2009-10 principal and assistant principal of the year celebration is scheduled for Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh.