Caldwell County Board of Education names new superintendent

LENOIR, NC (May 7, 2018)…Before a standing room only audience of school administrators, community leaders and teachers, the Caldwell County Board of Education unanimously selected Dr. Donald W. Phipps as the next superintendent of the Caldwell County Schools. Dr. Phipps will take office on July 1, 2018.

“The Board has worked together well and acted as one,” said Board Chairman Darrell Pennell. During the search process, the Board carefully reviewed applications from a diverse field of 24 excellent candidates. Although many qualified candidates applied, the Board felt that Dr. Phipps’ leadership, experience, and dedication to students would best serve the Caldwell County students, staff, and community for years to come.

The Board is confident that Dr. Phipps’ leadership will greatly benefit Caldwell County. Dr. Phipps has enjoyed a successful career in public education spanning over 20 years in North Carolina. Since 2010, he has served as superintendent for the Beaufort County Schools. Prior to his current position, Dr. Phipps served as Executive Director of Student Services for the Cumberland County Schools (2007-2010). Dr. Phipps has also previously served as an assistant principal and principal in the Cumberland County School System (2001-2006). He began his career in public education as a school psychologist in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Dr. Phipps also has served as Department Chair of the Computer Information Systems program at Pfeiffer University.

Dr. Phipps has an impressive academic background as well, including a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Methodist College. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in school psychology from Appalachian State University, a master’s degree in computer instructional systems from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Appalachian State University. He is married to Nancy Phipps, and together they have four children and one granddaughter.

Dr. Phipps looks forward to leading the Caldwell County School System and becoming an active member of the community. The Board is confident that he will continue to implement the Board’s vision of the school system and build upon the progress of the current administration.

Dr. Phipps has issued the following statement about the position: “I am very excited and honored to have been chosen from the strong pool of candidates for this position. I look forward to becoming a part of the community and working with partners inside and outside of the school system to make Caldwell County Schools a premier school system in our state. From the students and staff, to the Board of Education, to the communities which make up this great county, the people are the greatest asset. I look forward to working with all of you to continue to build on the strong legacy of success the Caldwell County School System has experienced. My wish is to be a part of a great team that continues the work to make this school system extremely effective at meeting student needs and preparing each student for the next phase of life. In doing this work we will also make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

Please join the Board in welcoming Dr. Don Phipps as the new superintendent of the Caldwell County Schools and welcoming him and his family to our community.