Three North Carolina Public School Leaders Honored For Leadership

WILMINGTON | In a surprise announcement this morning, three public school leaders – Dr. Ron Hargrave, Executive Director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium; Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, retired Superintendent of Franklin County Schools; and Dr. Tony Jackson, Superintendent of Chatham County Schools – were awarded the North Carolina Association of School Administrators’ (NCASA) 2026 Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award during NCASA’s 2026 Conference on Educational Leadership at the Wilmington Convention Center. This award, named in honor of NCASA’s first full-time Executive Director, the late Raymond Sarbaugh, is given annually to an NCASA member (or members) demonstrating outstanding leadership in public school service, as well as a commitment to enhancing and supporting efforts by fellow administrators and educators. With more than six decades of combined service to North Carolina public schools, Dr. Hargrave, Dr. Jackson, and Dr. Schuhler have distinguished themselves through their dedication to improving, leading, and advocating for local public schools.

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“NCASA is pleased to honor these three co-recipients who are known statewide as leaders among North Carolina’s K-12 leaders,” said Katherine W. Joyce, NCASA’s Executive Director. “They dedicate themselves daily to enhancing our public schools, and they are strong advocates for the teams they lead and the students served by their work.”

Dr. Hargrave has served as the Executive Director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium since 2021, following almost seven years as Superintendent of Scotland County Schools. In his current role, Dr. Hargrave has brought district leaders together to foster regional collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and advocate effectively for the needs of local public schools. Known for his humility, wisdom, and student-centered approach, Dr. Hargrave inspires trust, confidence, and unity among the superintendents and districts he serves. His leadership reflects the ability to elevate systems, support colleagues, and unify diverse districts around a shared purpose.

During his tenure as Superintendent of Scotland County Schools, Dr. Hargrave led transformative progress, including historic academic gains, the lowest dropout rate in district history, and the highest ever graduation rate. He also led the development and successful implementation of a district consolidation plan and strengthened community and governmental relationships through a funding agreement with county commissioners.

Dr. Hargrave shared gratitude following the award presentation, “I’m honored and humbled by the award. It’s a testament to all of the people that I had the privilege to work with.”

Dr. Jackson, a former North Carolina Superintendent of the Year, has served as the Chatham County Schools Superintendent since 2021. Under his leadership, Chatham County has exceeded growth expectations, outperformed state averages, and made significant gains in academic performance. Dr. Jackson consistently attributes this success to the collective efforts of staff and to the strategic focus of the district’s “One Chatham” vision. The “One Chatham” strategic plan is an ambitious, coherent roadmap with clear goals and specific strategies that center on curriculum and innovation, student health and safety, staff recruitment and retention, facilities and infrastructure, and strong communication with the community.

Previously, Dr. Jackson served as Superintendent of Vance County Schools, where he led a dramatic district turnaround. During his tenure, the district increased graduation rates, reduced dropout rates, exited low-performing status, decreased long-term suspensions, and launched its first one-to-one digital learning initiative.

In addition to his role as superintendent, Dr. Jackson has trained and mentored both aspiring superintendents and early-career superintendents through various North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) professional development programs. During his tenure as Superintendent of the Year, he served on the State Board of Education in an advisory role, providing a collective voice for superintendents across the state. He also has led as President of NCSSA, where he continues to serve on the organization’s Executive Board of Directors.

“I am grateful for this honor, and am proud to have worked with my team and colleagues in standing together for strong public schools,” expressed Dr. Jackson.

Dr. Schuhler served as the Superintendent of Franklin County Schools from November 2017 through December 2025. Under her leadership, she guided the district through significant academic and organizational growth, including the development and implementation of a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, the strengthening of community partnerships, and the promotion of innovation across classrooms and schools.

In addition to her work in Franklin County, Dr. Schuhler has earned statewide recognition for her leadership. She has served as President of both NCASA and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development and has held executive board roles with the NCSSA and NCASA. She spearheaded the “Women in the Lead” cohort through NCSSA, supporting and empowering female superintendents across the state. She has also chaired NCASA’s “Champion Our Local Public Schools” campaign and the Board of Directors for the Central Carolina Regional Education Service Alliance.

“Now more than ever, public school advocacy and providing support to our school leaders is essential,” said Dr. Schuhler. “I am grateful to have been a part of this important work, and receiving the Raymond Sarbaugh Award is truly an honor.”