LILLINGTON — A South Rowan High School graduate was named superintendent of Harnett County Schools on Monday.

The Harnett County Board of Education voted to hire Aaron Fleming, a native of China Grove.

Fleming, who has been interim superintendent since Feb. 1, was selected after an extensive search led by the North Carolina School Board Association. The board based the hiring of Fleming on his extensive education experience in teaching and administration, his policy knowledge and his understanding of the state education system. He will begin his duties immediately.

Fleming received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from North Carolina State University and a master of school administration from Appalachian State University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in education leadership at Wingate University.

Fleming started his career as an agricultural education teacher and Future Farmers of America adviser at Central Cabarrus High School in Concord and later at Clayton High School in Johnston County. He then worked as the career and technical education director in Wilkes and Lee counties. Fleming also worked as an education policy adviser to the North Carolina speaker of the House before starting his work in Harnett County.

“I appreciate the board’s confidence and I thank them for giving me the opportunity to serve as superintendent,” said Fleming. “Harnett County is a fast-growing and diverse community, and I am looking forward to being an advocate and leader for our local public school students and educators. My highest priority and absolute commitment is to utilize my experience and passion for educating children as an asset to help students in becoming career- and college-ready.”

Said Board of Education Chairman Bill Morris: “The people of Harnett County value a quality education, and it will always be our priority to take the necessary steps to ensure that our school system works for parents, teachers and, most importantly, children. I want to thank Mr. Fleming for his excellent service to our school system during his role as interim superintendent. I am pleased to work with Aaron as the superintendent and look forward to focusing on student centered reforms that will provide our developing children with the skills to be all that they can be.”