The Moore County Board of Education appointed Jennifer Purvis as Superintendent of Moore County Schools, effective July 1. The Board approved a four-year contract for Purvis during its June 1 meeting.
A lifelong Moore County resident, Moore County Schools graduate, and veteran educator, Purvis brings nearly 32 years of experience serving the students, staff, and families of Moore County Schools. She has served as Interim Superintendent since March and previously served as Assistant Superintendent for Operations.
Purvis has devoted her entire professional career to Moore County Schools, serving in a variety of leadership and instructional roles, including classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and interim superintendent. Her appointment reflects the Board’s continued confidence in her leadership and vision for the district’s future.
Her appointment also represents a full-circle journey within Moore County Schools. Beginning as a kindergarten student at Robbins Elementary School and later graduating from North Moore High School, Purvis returned to advance through every major level of the organization, from classroom teacher to superintendent, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the students, staff, and communities she now leads.
“Mrs. Purvis is a proud native of Moore County and a graduate of Moore County Schools,” said Board Chair Dr. Robin Calcutt in a press release. “Throughout her nearly 32-year career in education, she has dedicated herself entirely to serving Moore County Schools, holding roles as an elementary and middle school teacher, assistant principal, elementary and high school principal, assistant superintendent, and interim superintendent.
“Mrs. Purvis has a genuine love for students of all ages and firmly believes that every student can achieve success. Her commitment to putting students first guides every decision she makes. With her knowledge of the K-12 curriculum, her focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to high expectations, she is well-positioned to lead Moore County Schools into the future.”
Purvis earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master of Arts in Reading Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She also completed the Sandhills Leadership Academy administrator program.
Throughout her career, Purvis has been recognized for building strong school cultures, fostering meaningful relationships, maintaining high expectations, and improving student outcomes, according to the release. As principal of North Moore High School, she led efforts that increased the school’s graduation rate from 74.6 percent to 91.6 percent while also strengthening academic performance and school culture. She was named Moore County Schools Principal of the Year in 2016.
As Assistant Superintendent for Operations, Purvis provided leadership for major district departments and capital projects while working closely with the Board of Education and Moore County Board of Commissioners to support the district’s operational and facility needs. Since assuming the role of Interim Superintendent, she has focused on advancing strategic priorities that support student success, fiscal responsibility, strengthening district operations, and enhancing communication and collaboration, said the release.
“It is truly an honor to serve as Superintendent of Moore County Schools, said Purvis in the release. “As a graduate of Moore County Schools and someone who has spent my entire career serving this district, I understand firsthand the impact our schools have on students, families, and our community.
“Education continues to evolve, bringing new opportunities and challenges, but our commitment to students will remain unchanged. Moore County Schools is an exceptional district because of the dedicated employees who serve our students every day, the supportive families who partner with us, and a community that values education and believes in the potential of every child.
“I am excited to work alongside our Board of Education, employees, families, and community partners as we continue moving our district forward. Moore County Schools has accomplished so much because of the people who make up this district, and I look forward to building on that success as we continue preparing students for bright and promising futures.”
A swearing-in and oath-of-office ceremony for Purvis will be held on Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the North Moore High School auditorium. The ceremony is open to the public.
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Contributed article/photo.
