WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The New Hanover County Board of Education on Aug. 22 appointed an interim superintendent following the firing of Dr. Charles Foust on July 2.
Dr. Christopher Barnes was unanimously approved for the position out of seven candidates.
The decision was made during a special meeting, and a swearing in ceremony will be held during the board’s Sept. 3 meeting.
Barnes has been the acting interim superintendent since Foust’s termination; he was previously the assistant superintendent of human resources.
“Thank you for the trust in the community and we’ll work to make school the best it can be,” Barnes told WECT shortly after his approval.
When asked what his priorities are for the upcoming school year, especially since coming off a rocky summer with the termination of Dr. Foust, Barnes said it’s time to shift focus.
“This is a time for us to come back to our center and come back to the root of what we do which is teaching children,” he said. “What’s important to me is kids in buildings and teachers in schools. We have a lot of work to do in getting schools open. We have a lot to focus on, like listening to our staff and helping make the school district better, but my goal is to help focus on children.”
School board members said they are excited for a new era with Barnes at the helm.
“He’s met with just about every single faculty, he’s gone to schools. He’s out there. He’s seeing. He’s interacting with folks. He’s listening. He’s making important decisions and now he’ll be able to make even more as we go forward,” Board Chair Pete Wildeboer said.
The school board is still in the process of finding a permanent fit for superintendent.
When asked if he will apply for the permanent position, Barnes told WECT he doesn’t want to think that far ahead, saying he’ll do what’s best for the district.
“I think I’m the right person at this point to help the district find its footing, to help the district and children and staff feel valued,” he said.
Board Chair Pete Wildeboer said the board is planning to do a nation-wide search for a permanent super intendent.
He did not specify when that search would begin.
Barnes will be sworn in at the board next meeting on September 3rd.
Copyright 2024 WECT. All rights reserved.