By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
EAST SPENCER — The leader of the Rowan-Salisbury School System has been named Superintendent of the Year for the southwest region.
School Board Chairman Dr. Jim Emerson made the announcement during Thursday’s board meeting.
Dr. Judy Grissom was selected by her colleagues for the honor during the state’s Summer Leadership Conference in Asheville this week.
“We know what an outstanding leader that we have in our Superintendent Dr. Grissom,” Emerson said. “And now the regional leaders have confirmed that they know this as well.”
Grissom, a graduate of North Rowan High School, took over the top spot for Rowan-Salisbury Schools in July 2006.
Before coming home, she served as associate superintendent of the Alamance-Burlington School System.
Last year, Grissom received the N.C. Distinguished Educator Award from the N.C. Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. The award is presented annually to a member of the association who has made significant contribution to education through visionary and committed leadership in curriculum and instruction.
School board member Linda Freeze said she’s excited Grissom is being recognized as Superintendent of the Year.
“She works so hard and she’s so dedicated to our students and our staff in Rowan-Salisbury Schools that she deserves the recognition,” she said. “I hope to one day see her as state Superintendent of the Year.”
Grissom will move on to compete against eight other regional superintendents for the state title this fall.
A selection committee appointed by the N.C. Association of School Administrator and the N.C. School Boards Association will pick the winner.
School board member Richard Miller said Grissom’s recognition reflects well on the district.
“I think it makes an excellent testament for the caliber of leadership that the system is receiving to be recognized by systems that are larger and smaller than we are,” he said. “It is certainly a testament to the job that we are attempting to do in education.”
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.