Caldwell County Schools

Caldwell County Schools Leadership Transition: Testament to District’s Strength and Stability

Lenoir, NC - (October 3, 2025) - Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps and the Caldwell County Board of Education announced that Superintendent Phipps will become the next Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS). Dr. Phipps will remain fully engaged through December 1, 2025 to ensure a seamless leadership transition and will continue to serve as an advisor to the District and Board of Education for some time after. 

The WS/FCS Board sought out Dr. Phipps to help navigate significant financial and operational challenges. Caldwell County Schools and the Caldwell County Board of Education view this selection as a compliment to the successful systems, extraordinary stability, academic success, and financial health that Dr. Phipps helped establish during his tenure at CCS. 

"While we are certainly bittersweet to announce Dr. Phipps' departure, the fact that he was selected to solve a high-stakes crisis elsewhere is a testament to the robust foundation he is leaving behind," said Darrell Pennell, Chair of the Caldwell County Board of Education. "The stability and strength of our system are not dependent on one person. I want to reassure our students, staff, and families: Our operations will continue as normal, focused entirely on the great education CCS is known for.”

To ensure this continuity, the Superintendent’s Cabinet will remain in place, including the Assistant Superintendent of Education Program Services, Dr. Katrina McEllen; Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Dr. Thomas Howell; Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services, Andy Puhl; Assistant Superintendent of Finance/Chief Financial Officer, David Johnson; and Chief Information Officer, Nathan Pope. This experienced and prepared leadership team guarantees the uninterrupted flow of all operations. 

Dr. Phipps expressed his gratitude for this time in Caldwell County, which he plans to call home after he retires from education. “It has been the privilege of my career to serve Caldwell County Schools. 

The academic achievements and dedicated community we have built together are second to none,” said Dr. Phipps. “I am fully committed to ensuring a comprehensive and smooth handover before my departure in December. I have the utmost confidence that CCS will continue its trajectory of excellence under the leadership team we built together.”

The Caldwell County Board of Education is prepared to immediately begin a thorough and transparent search process for the next permanent Superintendent. Further details regarding the search timeline will be shared in the coming weeks. 

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