Wake County Schools Hires Cathy Moore As New Superintendent

RALEIGH, NC — The Wake County Board of Education has chosen Cathy Moore to be the next superintendent of the Wake County Public School System, officials announced Wednesday. Moore was appointed in 2011 as the school system’s deputy superintendent for academic advancement and has "enjoyed a successful career in public education" for more than three decades, the district said in a release.

"Ultimately, the board was extremely pleased to find the best person for the job was right here at home," the district said. "Board members feel strongly that Ms. Moore’s leadership, long-term experience in WCPSS, and her dedication to students will serve the students, staff, and community well for years to come."

Moore has an impressive academic background, the release said, including a bachelor’s degree in French language and literature from North Carolina State University. She also has a master of school administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is pursuing a doctoral degree at East Carolina University.

"This is a long time coming," school board member Keith Sutton said after a unanimous vote, The News and Observer reported. "I’ve admired your work from close and afar.”

Moore is replacing Jim Merrill, who retired in February. He had led the district for nearly five years.

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As deputy superintendent for academic advancement, Moore oversaw the area superintendents, academics, special education, student support services and student assignment. She previously served as an area superintendent from 2008-2011 and was a high school principal before that for eight years.

The board's search was aided by the North Carolina School Boards Association. The process began in December with online surveys, written statements and public comments given to district staff and the community on what characteristics and experiences were most desired.

That information was presented to the board in January, and the board began reviewing applications from a field of 20 candidates spanning 10 states the following month.

Moore's salary wasn't immediately known, but the News and Observer says her predecessor had been making north of $300,000 a year.

The district currently has more than 160,000 students and is projected to add nearly 23,000 more students by the 2024-25 school year. Four new schools will open this school year:

• South Garner High School, 8228 Hebron Church Road, Garner (Opening for 9th and 10th graders)
• Apex Friendship Middle School, 7701 Humie Olive Road, Apex
• Bryan Road Elementary School, 8317 Bryan Road, Garner
• Buckhorn Creek Elementary School, 5651 Honeycutt Road, Holly Springs

New schools will be opening every year to accommodate the influx, the district says.

The Wake County Board of Education has selected Cathy Moore as the next superintendent of the Wake County Public School System. More: https://t.co/5MULfxD7tI pic.twitter.com/ynAjjCqlMG
— Wake County Schools (@WCPSS) May 23, 2018

Photo credit: Wake County Public School System