Staff Report. November 8, 2011. BOONE -- The Watauga Board of Education has appointed former Watauga County Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard (“Dick”) Jones as interim superintendent effective December 12 and continuing through June 30, 2012.

Dr. Jones will succeed current superintendent Dr. Marty Hemric, who announced in September that he had accepted the position of superintendent of Wilkes County Schools effective January 1.

Board Chair Deborah Miller announced the selection of Dr. Jones with “great pleasure and utmost confidence,” saying that he “brings knowledge of our and the community’s expectations for education in Watauga County” and that “we welcome his leadership and insight.”  Her sentiments were echoed in statements by the other members of the Board.

Dr. Hemric also praised the selection of Dr. Jones.  “His name is still revered in the professional community of superintendents across the state and I look forward to working with him on the transition.  I can’t think of a better choice.”

Dr. Jones said that as he gave the position prayerful consideration in recent weeks, he realized “I still have in me a burning desire to serve in schools.”  He assured the Board that “we will do our best to keep the good things going and to make the best things even better” as he works to prepare the way for the next superintendent.  Displaying his trademark humor, he added that “I have been promised by various Board members that this will be a mild winter.”

Dr. Jones was superintendent of the Watauga County Schools for five years and retired as superintendent in 2003 after 35 years of service in public education.  He was superintendent of Transylvania County Schools before his appointment as superintendent of Watauga County Schools in 1998.  He has remained active in education since his retirement, including serving as a consultant with the Leadership Group of the Carolinas for the last four years.  He and his wife Jackie Jones have lived in Watauga County since moving here in 1998.

The Board of Education is in the preliminary stages of its search for a new permanent superintendent who would be expected to begin work on July 1.  The Board conducted a public forum October 17th to receive public comments on the strengths and challenges of the schools and the most important qualities to seek in a new superintendent. The Board has also given teachers and other school employees an opportunity to contribute their thoughts on the same topics.  The Board will officially post the superintendent position in January and review applications during February and March.  Interviews will be scheduled in March and April.

The Watauga County Schools system currently serves a total of 4,585 students in eight preK-8 schools and one high school.   The system is among the best in the state by several measures, including the high school graduation rate of 87.4%, the results of state end-of-grade and end-of-course tests, and the proportion of teachers with National Board Certification.

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