Wilkes assistant will

replace retiring

school superintendent
By Caroline Monday
cmonday@mountaintimes.com
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The Watauga County Board of Education unanimously agreed Tuesday to name Marty Hemric the new superintendent of Watauga County Schools after the retirement of current superintendent Bobbie Short this summer.

The decision came after a four-month hiring process and was announced at the school-system’s Boone office on Tuesday morning.

Hemric, 44, currently serves as the assistant superintendent of the Wilkes County school system.

He has spent the last five years of his career in Wilkes County, serving as principal at Mt. Pleasant Elementary and then at East Wilkes High School, before becoming assistant superintendent in 2007.

Hemric holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and biology from Guilford College. He earned masters’ degrees in physical education and school administration from Gardner Webb University and is scheduled to complete a doctorate in educational leadership from Gardner Webb this summer.

Hemric started his career in education in 1986 as a biology teacher and sports coach at Davie County High School. He then went on to teach and coach at Mooresville High School and Elkin High School. Hemric’s first administrative position was as assistant principal of Elkin High School, beginning 2002.

Board chairman Lowell Younce said the board received several applications and narrowed those down to six candidates to be interviewed.

Younce said the process was extensive and time-consuming and he commended those involved in the process for their commitment to ensuring the correct person was selected for the job.

During the interview process, Younce said, “We made clear we are not a status quo school system.”

“We were very impressed with Mr. Hemric and his background,” he added.

Hemric said that he has been impressed with what he has learned about the local school system, noting that it is held in “high regard across the state.”

He said that as he studied the school system, he learned that “the focus was clearly on the students.” The interview process reinforced that focus, with students as the theme of the questions, he added.

Hemric said this focus on the students is fitting with his own attitudes toward education.

“That’s what inspires educators — the children we serve,” he said.

Hemric also favorably noted the community partnerships and community involvement in the school system.
He said he was committed to working with the school system as it continues to move forward.

Hemric will begin on July 1, after fulfilling his commitment to Wilkes County Schools. At Tuesday’s meeting, he signed a four-year contract with the school system.

More details about the terms of that contract — including the salary — will be available once it has been confirmed by the school board’s attorney.