Dr. Judy Grissom plans to use her 40 years experience as an educator to minimize the impact of looming budget cuts.
Grissom has served in various positions within the education sector including teacher and principal.
“During the last 12 years, I have been involved in creating and maintaining large budgets,” she said. “Experience in utilizing every existing resource, coupled with writing rants, has helped me face past … budget deficits and will help in the future.”
Grissom understands the reality the school system will face, including a $6.1 million funding cliff with the expiration of federal stimulus funds and up to $14 million in cuts from the state government.
“The biggest challenge for 2011 will be to maintain the academic growth we have experienced the last few years while facing some of the largest budget cuts ever,” she said. “Because of the last two years of budget cuts, it will be even more difficult this year to protect the classroom.
“We have excellent human and material resources in place that are bringing excellent results — it will be difficult to continue the momentum in the future.
Dr. Jim Emerson, chairman of the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education, said he expects to see Grissom face budget shortfalls by making “wisest use of resources that she possibly can.”
“Dr. Grissom i s one of the brightest, hardest-working superintendents I’ve ever known,” he said. “She always seems to do the right thing.”
— Sarah Campbell

Name: Judy Grissom
Age: 64
Occupation: Superintendent of the Rowan-Salisbury School System.
Favorite book: “I love to read, so it is hard to pick an all time favorite book.  The latest book that I have read that I thoroughly enjoyed was ‘Stones Into Schools.’ ”
Most surprising song or artist in your music collection: Neil Diamond
Who will you watch in 2011 and why?: “County Commissioners to see how they will work with the school system in helping us meet our educational needs.”
Why she is one to watch in 2011: As the school system braces for deep budget cuts, Grissom will be looking for ways to protect the classroom and his or her reaction to hearing that news.
Reaction to making the list: “There are many more exciting and interesting people in Rowan County to watch than me.”