Description

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.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

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.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Located in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Yadkin River, Elkin is a closeknit 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.

Requirements

WHO SHOULD APPLY

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:

Experience/Leadership

• 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

Student-Centered & Performance-Driven

• Making confident, data-informed decisions with a methodical and courageous approach to addressing challenges
• Leading the successful turnaround of low-performing schools and improving outcomes system-wide
• Applying educational research and evidence-based practices to strengthen curriculum, instruction, and student achievement
• Prioritizing students in all decision-making and policy development, ensuring a student-centered culture district-wide
• Motivating and engaging teachers, staff, parents, and students to support the academic and overall success of all learners
• Leadership in creating and maintaining safe and orderly learning environments
• Strategic planning—short-term and long-term—across academics, operations, and facilities

People & Resource Leader

• Identifying and cultivating strong leadership within the system, while implementing clear and accountable performance plans
• Understanding and managing school system finances (capital and expense) and budgeting with clarity and fiscal responsibility
• Planning, funding, and oversight of school facilities

Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicating transparently and effectively with all stakeholders, while fostering trust, honesty, and integrity in all interactions
• Build productive relationships with the Board, local government, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community leaders
• Recognize parents as essential partners in the education of their children
• Engagement in community activities and visibility within the district

Desired Characteristics

The board seeks a leader who is:

• Visible and approachable
• Honest and trustworthy
• Committed to public service
• Courageous in making difficult decisions
• Respectful of community values and traditions
• Focused on results and continued improvement

APPLY ONLINE
Applicants must complete the board’s required online application form, accessible via the North Carolina School Boards Association’s webpage at https://www.ncsba.org/legal/north-carolinavacancies/. Please do not contact, or ask anyone you know to contact, individual board members about your interest in or application for this position. All inquiries should be directed to Sam Thorp, Director of Executive Search & Member Engagement, North Carolina School Boards Association, at sthorp@ncsba.org or 919-841-4040. All inquiries will be kept confidential.