Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney was sworn in Friday morning as superintendent of Vance County Schools.
With her family at her side, District Court Judge Adam Keith administered the oath of office.
In brief remarks after her swearing-in, Ross-Putney said she is deeply grateful and honored, and ready to lead and serve the school district.
She acknowledged that the “weight of leadership will be heavy to bear” at times, and she pledged to lead with integrity.
“I will not promise perfection, but I will promise purpose, honesty, courage and a whole lot of hard work,” she said. “Most of all, I promise to never forget the children whose futures depend on every decision that we make today.”
Ross-Putney is a Vance County native and a graduate of Vance County Schools.
Her mother, Michelle Ross, said her youngest child has worked hard for this county that she loves. “She loves this county, and loves the children,” Ross said of her daughter in remarks before she was sworn in.
Ross-Putney said accepting the job of superintendent represents more than a new title.
“It represents a journey shaped by faith, opportunity, hard lessons, second chances and so many people who believed in me along the way,” she said.
She said being in a leadership role often asks something not only of the person serving but also of the people who love them. She acknowledged her husband, Michael, for his support.
With the prospects of long nights and lots of work facing her, Ross-Putney said she is reminded of the different roles ahead of her.
“Before I am a superintendent, I am still a wife, a mother, a daughter and a sister.”
(News text above originally posted Friday, July 31, 2026; Audio embedded below added Monday, Aug 3, 2026.)
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