The Lexington 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 January 12,
2026.
About the School System
Lexington City Schools serves approximately 3,000 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The school system operates 7 schools, including 4 elementary schools, a middle school, a traditional high school, and a developmental center. The district has approximately 400 employees who are continually striving to build a culture with no persistent patterns of differences in academic success or treatment among students grouped by race, ethnicity, culture, neighborhood, household income, or home language. The school system enjoys strong community support and is governed by a 7-member nonpartisan board of education elected to serve staggered 4-year terms.
About the Community
Lexington is nestled in the Piedmont Triad region of central North Carolina with convenient access to Interstate 85 and the cities of Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte, as well as the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The city is located just a few hours from the beaches of eastern North Carolina and South Carolina and only about two hours from the mountains of western North Carolina. With a population of approximately 19,000 residents, Lexington is the county seat of Davidson County and features a unique blend of rural and urban life. From historic Uptown Lexington to scenic High Rock Lake, local attractions include arts and entertainment, restaurants, shopping, sports and racing, outdoor recreation, and a winery. Often referred to as the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” Lexington is an affordable community with a genuine small-town character and a high quality of life.
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 within the Lexington City Schools attendance area.
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 Lexington City 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-carolina-vacancies/. 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.
