New Superintendent Named
The Alexander County Board of Education has named a former district-level leader as the new superintendent of Alexander County Schools. Dr. Bill Griffin anticipates he will step into the office July 1st.
Griffin currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in Caldwell County Schools. Prior to his work in Caldwell, Griffin was the Executive Director of Auxiliary Services for Alexander County Schools; there he was responsible for Human Resources, School Safety, Driver Education, Digital Learning, and the Alternative Learning Program. He brings more than 28 years of experience in North Carolina school districts.
Griffin has served as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, and coach. He began his educational career in 1997 at West Caldwell High School.
On returning to a district where he once worked, Griffin said, “It is such an incredible honor to be provided another opportunity to work with Alexander County Schools students, staff, and community. Alexander County and its school system is respected and coveted by numerous systems across the entire state. Being associated with Alexander gives me extreme joy. It is my goal to build on the countless accomplishments of the past and provide sustainability and growth for the future.”
In a letter to staff, Griffin said as a former member of ACS, “I know the quality, service, and devotion that each employee brings to our school system.”
He adds, “I have witnessed the love and loyalty that has been demonstrated to all students and this community for years. It is my goal to build on the solid foundation and success this system possesses.”
According to Board Chair Robert Arguelles, it was Griffin’s prior connection to the district that made him a good fit.
“He’s rooted in Alexander County; he has relationships already founded with folks of Alexander County and he wants to continue to build on that working with our community leaders, our faculty, administration, staff, all focused like a laser beam on children,” says Arguelles.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hefner joined Arguelles and board members in welcoming Dr. Griffin back.
"I am so pleased that a former member of my leadership team has been chosen as Alexander County's new superintendent. I enjoyed working with Dr. Griffin and he has experience and knowledge of the school system that will be advantageous for him as he hits the ground running on July 1st. I wish Dr. Griffin and his team all the best - now and always," said Hefner.
The search began in February after a Wilmington-based group was hired to lead the pursuit of a new leader. Board member Matt Reese chaired the search committee.
“The outcome of what we were anticipating yielding was great. There were six semifinalists that we interviewed, and they were all rock stars. At the end of the day, we felt that the process was very good and very well worth all the time and effort that went into it,” says Reese.
Dr. Griffin graduated from Appalachian State University after wrapping up his high school career at Anson Senior High School in Wadesboro. He began his work in education as a physical education teacher and a high school varsity football and baseball coach. Griffin received his master’s degree and doctorate in education from Gardner Webb University and has spent 20 years in school and district leadership.
In his current position in Caldwell, Griffin oversees all district personnel matters for 24 schools and nearly 11,000 students. Griffin has served on state level commissions studying recruitment and retention for teaching staff. He was named the Principal of the Year in Caldwell County in 2011. Griffin has worked with various boards and agencies including Cedar Rock Township, Catawba Valley Community College, and the Caldwell County Education Foundation.
Griffin and his wife, Meredith, have three children, Barett (20), Gabe (19) and Hayden (16).
When not at work, Griffin enjoys sports and the outdoors. He is an avid viewer of college and professional football, and likes to hunt, fish, and play golf.
In January, outgoing superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hefner announced to staff her intention to retire at the end of this school year.
The board unanimously voted in favor of Griffin on May 29th. The board will plan opportunities for community members to greet Dr. Griffin at a later date.
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