Wake County Board of Education Names New Superintendent

The Wake County Board of Education has selected Cathy Moore as the next superintendent of the Wake County Public School System.

Ms. Moore, who was appointed in 2011 as the school system’s Deputy Superintendent for Academic Advancement, has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning more than 30 years.

In her role as Deputy Superintendent for Academic Advancement, she oversees the area superintendents, academics, special education, student support services and student assignment. Prior to her current position, she was an area superintendent (2008-2011), a high school principal (2000-2008), a high school assistant principal (1997-2000) and high school teacher (1988-1995). She began her career as a high school French teacher in the Nash-Rocky Mount Public School System.

The board engaged in a careful, thorough, and deliberate search process, facilitated by the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA). In December 2017, the board began its process by engaging the WCPSS staff and community via online surveys, written statements and public comments regarding the most desired characteristics and experience of the new superintendent.

That information was then presented to the board by NCSBA in January 2018. In February, the board began reviewing applications from a diverse field of 20 highly qualified and experienced candidates from 10 different states. The board gradually narrowed the field through a series of in-depth interviews held in March and April. With the help of NCSBA, the board vetted each candidate’s credentials and professional references and held multiple candid, productive conversations with the finalists.

Ultimately, the board was extremely pleased to find the best person for the job was right here at home. 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.

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