Brad Breedlove Named North Carolina Superintendent of the Year
The Pender County Schools superintendent secured the statewide honor after being selected from a field of eight regional finalists.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Administration
The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association named Pender County Schools superintendent Brad Breedlove the 2027 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year. He was chosen from a final pool of eight regional nominees to receive the state-level recognition.
Why it matters
This award recognizes excellence in school leadership at the state level for public education administrators. Breedlove is now set to advance to the national stage to compete for further honors representing North Carolina.
Brad Breedlove is the first Pender County Schools superintendent to win this award. He has served in his current role since January 2023 and previously received the honor of North Carolina Principal of the Year in 2014.
The players
Brad Breedlove
He is the superintendent of Pender County Schools and the 2027 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.
North Carolina School Superintendents' Association
This professional organization presents the annual award to recognize outstanding leadership among school district administrators.
North Carolina Association of School Administrators
This group serves as a professional association for school leaders and partners with the Superintendents' Association to manage state-level awards.
The details
The award is presented by the North Carolina Association of School Administrators and the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association. Breedlove earned the distinction through a selection committee process that evaluated regional superintendents from across the state.
Timeline
Breedlove was named North Carolina Principal of the Year in 2014.
Breedlove began serving as Pender County superintendent in January 2023.
Breedlove was named North Carolina Superintendent of the Year on October 8, 2026.
The National Superintendent of the Year competition occurs in Atlanta from February 25-27, 2027.
Roadmap
This selection process follows the established progression of state-level winners who advance to compete on the national stage. By winning the regional and state honors, Breedlove follows a documented trajectory for leadership recognition within the American public education system.
This award highlights the leadership currently guiding the Pender County school district. Residents and parents may observe how this state-level recognition influences ongoing administrative policies and educational priorities within their local school system.
The takeaway
The recognition of a Pender County administrator reflects broader efforts to emphasize strong leadership in North Carolina public schools. Achieving state-level honors can often serve as a catalyst for future educational programming and district growth.
What happens next
Brad Breedlove will participate in the National Superintendent of the Year competition in Atlanta from February 25-27, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on school leadership initiatives, see Administration.
