UNION COUNTY, N.C. — The Union County School Board unanimously approved and introduced the district's new school superintendent at a special meeting Tuesday night. After a four-month nationwide search, Andrew Houlihan starts next month.
Hearing from new @UCPS_MonroeNC superintendent for first time. "This support means a whole lot." @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/PAr8JnKvjM
— Liz Foster (@lizfostercooper) July 26, 2016
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be your next superintendent,” Houlihan told the crowd after the school board’s decision.
He received a standing ovation from the board, community members and district staff.
Houlihan earned a degree in elementary education from Elon University before earning a master's degree in organization and leadership, followed by a doctorate in educational administration.
He started his 15-year education career in Wake County. Now, he and his family are coming from the Houston Independent School District, the same district that has successfully recruited North Carolina teachers.
"We're going to use the same strategy and sets of strategies like that. We are determined to get the best teachers for our kids in Union County, so I'm not worried about that," Houlihan told Channel 9.
Although never having served as a superintendent before, Houlihan has held several top school district positions and told Channel 9 he's ready. School board members agree.
"His leadership is going to be a real breath of fresh air for Union County," Board Member Gary Sides said. "He's not going to be afraid to sit down with anybody.
A few challenges he will face include pushing for a $50 million bond that is on the November ballot, improving the transportation department and developing a new capital plan and strategic plan. On top of that, six of the nine school board seats are up for election so the board that hires him may not be the board for which he'll be workingr.
Houlihan starts on Aug. 24, just five days before the first day of school. He signed a four-year contract and will earn $225,000 a year.
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