Description

The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education is seeking a superintendent to lead the school system as it continues its pursuit of excellence. Applications are due by September 30, 2026.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

Public Schools of Robeson County serves approximately 21,000 students across 37 schools in Robeson County, North Carolina. The district employs approximately 1,335 classroom teachers and additional support staff who, in partnership with families and the broader community, are committed to ensuring every student is prepared for success beyond graduation. Guided by its mission "to educate all students by building a foundation for learning in an ever-changing global society," the Public Schools of Robeson County places strong emphasis on empowering students to be successful citizens, workers, and leaders in a global economy. The district is also investing in its students' future through the nearly $87 million Robeson Career and Technical Education Center, opening in the near future to expand career pathways in fields like advanced manufacturing, health sciences, and culinary arts. The district is governed by an 11-member Board of Education. Eight members are elected on a nonpartisan basis from each of the county's eight electoral districts, and three members are elected at large by all qualified voters of Robeson County, all serving staggered four-year terms.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Located in the Coastal Plain of southeastern North Carolina, Robeson County is a community of approximately 119,000 residents with a rich and distinctive cultural identity rooted in the presence of the Lumbee Nation, the largest American Indian tribe in the eastern United States, which makes up nearly 39 percent of the county's population alongside significant Black, white, and Hispanic or Latino communities, the latter representing more than 9 percent of county residents. Lumberton, the county seat and largest city, serves as a well-established commercial hub for the southeastern part of the state. The county's position along I-95 supports manufacturing and distribution activity, while agriculture remains an important part of the area's economic identity. Robeson 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 the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a four-year institution with deep historical ties to the Lumbee community, and Robeson Community College, which offers more than 80 programs and career-focused workforce training across multiple campuses in the county. The local economy is led by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade, alongside agriculture, logistics, and education, with civic organizations and community partnerships that are committed to expanding opportunity and workforce development for all residents.

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 addition, the selected candidate will be required to live in Robeson County.

A successful candidate will also possess a demonstrated track record of excellence in the following areas:

Experience/Background

• 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 Robeson County
  and tailoring leadership strategies accordingly
• Strong decision-making, delegation, and follow-through

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
• Listening actively and building strong, positive relationships with the Board of
• Education, intergovernmental partnerships, and the broader community
• Engagement in community activities and visibility within the district

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.