By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — The leader of the Rowan-Salisbury School System is a contender for the honor of the state superintendent of the year.
Dr. Judy Grissom has been named one of the three finalists for the award, which will be presented during a reception in Greensboro on Nov. 15.
“Dr. Grissom is well deserving of the recognition,” Dr. Jim Emerson, chairman of the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education said in a press release. “She is not a person who believes in the status quo, she is always trying new things and always focused on our kids.”
Grissom, who was named the superintendent of the year for the southwest region earlier this year, will be up against Dr. Tim Farley of Granville County Schools and Dr. Diane Frost of Asheboro City Schools for the state title.
In 2010, Grissom was selected for the N.C. Distinguished Educator Award given by the N.C. Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. The honor is given to a member of the organization who has made significant contributions to education through visionary and committed leadership.
“I’ve never met anybody in my life who works this hard, at anything” school board member Bryce Beard said.
Grissom, a graduate of North Rowan High School, took over the top spot for the Rowan-Salisbury School System in July 2006. Prior to coming home, she served as associate superintendent of the Alamance-Burlington School System.
“Being able to get her back here with the knowledge of the county and her heart just amplifies everything we do,” Beard said. “People seem to be dedicated to her. In other words, they enjoy working for her and she leads by example.”
The state superintendent of the year will be chosen based on leadership in learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement
A selection committee appointed by the N.C. Association of School Administrators and the N.C. School Boards Association will make the final decision.
“Dr. Grissom, we applaud you and we wish you the best,” Jean Kennedy, vice-chairwoman of the school board, said. “You represent us in a superior fashion and regardless of the outcome you are our superintendent of the year.”