— Information courtesy of Vance County Schools
Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney has been named interim superintendent upon the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett on July 31. Ross-Putney, who currently serves as the Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation for Vance County Schools, will begin her role on Aug. 1, according to information from VCS Chief Information Officer Aarika Sandlin. The appointment was made by the Vance County Board of Education.
A graduate of Northern Vance High School, Ross-Putney earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education and Master of Education in Instructional Technology and Computer Education from N.C. State University. She later received her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from High Point University. She holds a North Carolina Educator’s License in Instructional Technology Specialist (Computers), Mathematics (grades 6–9), and School Administration: Superintendent licensure.
Ross-Putney completed the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association Aspiring Superintendents Program in 2025 and was a finalist for the District Leader of the Year for Change Management through Modern Teacher.
“I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve as Interim Superintendent of Vance County Schools and to help maintain and continuously strengthen the important work happening across our district,” Ross-Putney said in a statement. “Vance County Schools is filled with dedicated staff, leaders, students, families, and community partners who care deeply about the future of this community, and I take the responsibility of building upon that foundation very seriously. I remain committed to ensuring stability, strong communication, and a continued focus on what is best for students as we move forward together.”