The Vance County Board of Education announced Tuesday that Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney will succeed retiring Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett, effective Aug. 1, 2026.
Ross-Putney already had been selected as interim superintendent when Bennett announced her retirement plans recently, but Board of Education Chairperson Ayana Lewis said Tuesday that the board had determined that she is “the right leader to guide Vance County School into its next chapter.”
Lewis said Ross-Putney has shown a commitment to instruction, leadership, innovation and student achievement. “More importantly,” she added, “she understands the unique strengths, challenges and opportunities that exist within our district.
“The board believes her vision, experience and passion for public education make her exceptionally qualified to lead our school district. We are confident she will continue building upon the progress that has been made by helping us move forward with purpose and excellence.”
Currently serving as the district’s chief officer of Instruction and Innovation, Ross-Putney is a graduate of Vance County Schools and began her career as a math teacher in 2008 at Northern Vance High School.
Since then, she has served in numerous instructional and leadership roles, including co-founder of STEM Early High, where she later served as assistant principal. She went on to serve as the Secondary Math Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Technology Facilitator, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Professional Learning, and most recently, Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation.
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Ross-Putney said, “I’ve spent my career helping build opportunities for students in Vance County Schools. Now I’m honored to lead the district into its next chapter, with a deep respect for what we’ve accomplished together and an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for children.”
