North Carolina's 115 public school districts reported 6,265.1 vacancies as the 2026-27 school year began in the annual vacancy survey conducted by the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA). The total represents a 0.9% increase from 2025, with declines in teacher and student-support vacancies offset by increases in classified, bus driver, and central-office openings.

The North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Rob Jackson as the Assistant Executive Director. In this new role in the organization, the Assistant Executive Director will be working in the areas of Policy, Advocacy, and Leadership Support; Professional Development, Coaching, and Program Leadership; Corporate Partnerships, Grants, and Resource Development; and Communications and Member Engagement.

Eight exceptional school district leaders have been chosen as regional Superintendents of the Year to compete for the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2027 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.

The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) has announced the selection of Dr. Matthew Lutz, Superintendent of Currituck County Schools, as the recipient of the Dr. Dwayne Stallings Leadership Award. The award is presented in honor and recognition of a superintendent who has demonstrated a strong dedication to public education, commitment to academic excellence, and a continual focus on professional growth and student learning.

The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) has announced the selection of Dr. Jennifer Griffin, Superintendent of Hickory City Schools, as the recipient of the Dr. Brad Sneeden Leadership Award.

The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD) have announced the selection of the following as the recipients of the Dr. Samuel Houston Jr. Leadership Award: Ms. Jessica Anderson, Executive Director of Exceptional Children and Student Services, Alexander County Schools; Dr. Bryan Denton, Executive Director for Secondary Education, Gaston County Schools; Ms. Lisa Gahagan, Assistant Superintendent, Madison County Schools, and Dr. Jayme McPhatter, Instructional Program Facilitator, Chatham County Schools.

Dr. Rodney Peterson, Superintendent of Person County Schools, was named the Burroughs Wellcome Fund 2026 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year at an awards presentation and banquet held Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Grandover Resort.