Cole Announces Resignation As School Superintendent

From the Clay County Schools Facebook Page

Clay County Schools Superintendent, Dale Cole, announced his resignation from the district this morning.

Mr. Cole came to Clay County in November 2019, just before the mandated school closures that took effect March 16, 2020. Through an unprecedented time in public education that effected all staff and students, Mr. Cole led the charge to continue providing meals, instruction, and services to all students however we could as well as continued full-time employment for all staff through creative options to continue working. Clay County Schools has grown as a district academically and professionally through his leadership. We will miss him greatly but are happy for him and wish him the best in his new endeavor!

In his announcement to district staff, Mr. Cole shared:

CCS Team,

The purpose of this letter is to announce my resignation as superintendent of Clay County Schools effective June 30, 2023. Beginning July 1st, I will serve NC's students in a new capacity as the superintendent of Brunswick County Schools.

First, I want to thank the CCSBOE for taking a chance on me in 2019. They listened to my thoughts, values, and beliefs and decided to give me an opportunity to lead the most important organization in Clay County. I will never forget how proud that made me feel as I stood in front of my family to sign my first superintendent contract.

Second, I want to thank our leadership team. Their work has been and will continue to be critical in moving the district forward while you sustain and expand upon the accomplishments of the last four years. I have never worked with a better team than the one we have right now, and they blow me away every day with what their teams accomplish under their leadership.

Third, I want to thank the entire staff. As a team we have accomplished a tremendous amount of change over the last four years, including managing fully online teaching, managing pandemic procedures, adopting new discipline procedures, data collection and use, curriculum, etc. You have taken all of these changes in stride, and they have had a positive impact on student learning outcomes. I have never worked in a place where the staff focus so squarely on what matters, student learning. I look forward to monitoring your accomplishments from afar over the next few years, because I think they will be impressive.

Last, I want to thank the community of Clay County. This place really is a hidden gem, not just because of the beautiful geography and small town lifestyle, but mainly because of the people. I have been welcomed warmly everywhere I have visited since the day I took this job. It has been my honor and pleasure to serve this community for the last four years. I am very proud of what we have accomplished together. Thank you for accepting me and allowing me to play a role in one of the best school districts in the state of NC. Go Yellow Jackets forever!