Elkin Schools Superintendent

The Elkin City Schools Board of Education is seeking a superintendent to lead the school system as it continues its pursuit of excellence.
Applications are due by August 10, 2026.

Elkin City Schools serves approximately 1,250 students across three schools — Elkin Elementary, Elkin Middle, and Elkin High School — nestled in the scenic foothills of North Carolina in the town of Elkin, on the border of Wilkes and Surry counties. One of North Carolina's highest-rated school districts, Elkin City Schools advanced from #10 to #7 in the state between 2022 and 2025, ranking #1 in Surry County, #7 out of 115 districts statewide, and #9 for best teachers in North Carolina in 2025.

The district employs approximately 90 classroom teachers and additional support staff — with a student‑teacher ratio of 13:1 — who, in partnership with families and the broader community, are committed to ensuring every student is prepared for success beyond graduation. Guided by its vision "to ignite the desire to learn in every student by providing them with unique, varied, and authentic learning experiences," Elkin City Schools places strong emphasis on meaningful, hands‑on education that prepares students for a lifetime of growth.

The district is governed by a five‑member Board of Education. Three members are elected at large by all qualified voters of the Elkin School District, one member is elected from the area west of Interstate 77 outside the city limits, and one member is elected from the area east of Interstate 77 outside the city limits, all serving staggered four‑year terms on a nonpartisan basis.

Located in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Yadkin River, Elkin is a close‑knit community of approximately 4,100 residents in Surry County, home to roughly 72,000 people with deep roots in manufacturing, agriculture, and Appalachian heritage. Elkin's history was long shaped by the textile industry, most notably Chatham Manufacturing, a woolen mill established in the mid‑1800s that anchored the town's growth well into the twentieth century.

Today, the economy is led by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade, with a growing presence in viticulture as part of the Yadkin Valley wine region. Surry County has one of the lowest costs of living in North Carolina, with a cost of living index well below the national average. The higher education community is anchored by Surry Community College, which serves the region across five locations, including The Elkin Center, offering a wide range of academic programs and career‑focused workforce training.

Candidates must meet the legal requirements to be licensed as a superintendent in North Carolina or otherwise be qualified and eligible to serve under State Board of Education policy. In accordance with Elkin City Schools Board of Education Policy 7415, the selected candidate will be required to live within the attendance boundaries of Elkin City Schools and expected to become an active member of the Elkin community.

The Board seeks a superintendent who understands and appreciates the values of a close‑knit community and who is committed to preserving the district’s tradition of excellence while preparing students for success in college, careers, military service, and civic life. A successful candidate will also possess a demonstrated track record of excellence in the following areas:

• Establishing and articulating a compelling vision for continuous improvement across the district
• Serving in a variety of educational leadership roles, with a preference for experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent
• Understanding the unique demographics, culture, and dynamics of Elkin City and tailoring leadership strategies accordingly
• Strong decision‑making, delegation, and follow‑through
• A leadership style that emphasizes integrity, transparency, and servant leadership

• Making confident, data‑informed decisions with a methodical and courageous approach to addressing challenges
• Leading the successful turnaround of low‑performing schools and improving…