— From Vance County Schools Chief Officer of Communication & Innovative Support Aarika Sandlin

The Vance County Board of Education announces that Dr. Cindy Bennett will retire as Superintendent of Vance County Schools, effective July 31, 2026, concluding a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in education.

Dr. Bennett has served as Superintendent since July 1, 2021, leading the district with a strong focus on student achievement, innovation, and expanding opportunities for all learners. Under her leadership, Vance County Schools has continued to strengthen its commitment to college and career readiness, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Expanded student opportunities across the district, including those at the Center for Innovation (CFI), will stand as a lasting impact of the initiatives Dr. Bennett championed throughout her tenure as Superintendent. Her passion and commitment to ensuring that students are better prepared for success beyond the classroom was seen through the addition of the Simulated Labs for Interactive Career Exploration (SLICE), located at the CFI campus, as well as the addition of the EnTech Mobile Classroom. She has also been a driving force behind the implementation and growth of Advanced Teacher Roles, empowering educators to lead and collaborate in new ways that strengthen instruction districtwide. Demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership development, Dr. Bennett developed the Tailored Symposium, equipping Assistant Principals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive as effective school leaders. With a focus on developing leaders, she has focused on strategic thinking and principles of Six Sigma to ensure continuous growth and improvement, Kaizen.

Prior to serving as Superintendent, Dr. Bennett was the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Strategic Planning for six years. During her tenure, she secured significant grant funding, expanded strategic partnerships, and represented the district at both state and national levels.

“I have always seen public education as my mission field. It has been an honor to serve Vance County Schools and this community,” said Dr. Bennett. “Henderson has become my home, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished together on behalf of our students. The students here have the potential to be the change agents we need in this world. I hope that I have played a small part in being a catalyst for their growth and improvement. I am confident the district will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Bennett also served in key roles with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, including Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology and District Transformation Coach. Her work extended internationally through educational collaborations with the Japan Foundation and the Spanish Embassy. She also contributed as a National Baldrige Consultant, supporting high-performing school systems across the country.

A native of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, Dr. Bennett began her career as a teacher in Columbus County Schools and later served as an administrator in Whiteville City Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master of Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a Ph.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership from Walden University.

Dr. Bennett resides in Henderson with her husband, Ronald Bennett, and they both remain actively involved in the community and Island Creek Baptist Church. Together, they have four adult children and six grandchildren.

The Vance County Board of Education will begin the process of selecting the next superintendent in the coming months and will share updates with staff, families, and the community.