North Carolina Announced Superintendent Award Nominees
Eight educators have been named regional finalists for the 2027 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year award.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Administration
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The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association has selected eight regional finalists for its 2027 Superintendent of the Year honor. The winner will represent the state in the national competition.
Why it matters
The program recognizes excellence in K-12 leadership across the state. It highlights the role of district heads in fostering public school success.
The state award is sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and Scholastic Education. Finalists are selected by the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association and the North Carolina Association of School Administrators.
The players
North Carolina School Superintendents' Association
This professional organization supports the development and advocacy efforts of district superintendents across North Carolina.
Dr. Rob Jackson
He recently joined the association as assistant executive director following a 34-year career in education.
Dr. Crystal Hill
She is the former superintendent whose employment was terminated by a 5-4 vote of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.
The details
The upcoming state winner will advance to compete for the National Superintendent of the Year title. This selection process focuses on recognizing effective leadership within the K-12 public school system.
Timeline
Sept. 21, 2026: Dr. Rob Jackson began his role as assistant executive director.
Sept. 22, 2026: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education terminated Dr. Crystal Hill.
Oct. 8, 2026: The state Superintendent of the Year will be announced.
Feb. 25-27, 2027: The National Superintendent of the Year winner will be selected.
Culture Shift
State-level awards mirror a broader national trend of professionalizing and highlighting the complex role of K-12 administrators. This effort mirrors the national qualification process established for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year program.
The recognition of these leaders highlights the administrative priorities currently shaping K-12 districts throughout the state. Families can expect these finalists to represent the strategic goals of their respective school boards and communities.
The takeaway
Effective school leadership remains a central focus for public education advocates across the state. Communities are encouraged to engage with their local boards to understand how these leadership awards reflect district goals.
What happens next
The 2027 Superintendent of the Year will be announced on Oct. 8, 2026. The national winner will be selected during a conference held on Feb. 25-27, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational leadership in North Carolina Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EdNC.
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