Rowan-Salisbury Schools

RALEIGH — Lynn Moody of Rowan-Salisbury Schools was one of seven superintendents from across the state to receive the prestigious Friday Medal on Wednesday.

The award recognizes innovation in education in rural school districts. It is presented by the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation and the N.C. School Superintendents Association.

“There is no question that Dr. Moody has worked diligently to improve our system through innovation,” RSS Board of Education Chairman Josh Wagner said. “Although this does include technology, I believe it goes far beyond that. We, as a board, value her leadership and dedication to RSS.”

The Friday Medal is named in honor of Bill and Ida Friday for their commitment to education excellence. Bill Friday was the head of the University of North Carolina system from 1956 to 1986.

Jack Hoke, executive director of the N.C. School Superintendents Association, said the winning superintendents “have embraced digital learning and digital leadership. They determined early on in this journey that digital learning is an instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience.”

In addition to Moody, the superintendents receiving the award are

• Darrin Hartness of Davie County.

• Anthony Jackson of Vance County.

• Jeff McDaris of Transylvania County.

• Janet Mason of Rutherford County.

• Patrick Miller of Greene County.

• Robert Taylor of Bladen County.

Former Gov. Jim Hunt and state Rep. Craig Horn of Union County also spoke at the awards ceremony.

During a panel discussion, Moody talked about the district’s strategic plan, its one-to-one digital program, its summer feeding and reading programs, and the “extraordinary reader” yard sign awards.

Moody said that leadership at Rowan-Salisbury is a shared leadership.

“We have accomplished a great deal of work to ensure that all staff have the opportunity to lead at every level,” she said.

In recent years, Rowan-Salisbury has been recognized at the state and national levels as a leader in technology and innovative practices for student success. The district has been ranked in the top 10 nationally for pioneering technology uses, and it received the National Digital Curriculum Strategy Award and the National Digital Content and Curriculum Achievement award.

In addition, Discovery Education presented Moody with the Innovation in Education award.

On a state level, the district has been recognized for excellence in education programs as well as excellence in communication, public relations and marketing.

Go to http://www.fi.ncsu.edu/events/the-friday-medal/ for more information on the Friday Medal.