LCS Superintendent leaving at the end of June, replacement search to begin soon
At the Lexington City Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, February 6, LCS Superintendent Dr. Anitra Wells submitted her letter of resignation. Below is the press release from the district.
After 37 years of service in public education and five years with Lexington City Schools, Superintendent, Dr. Anitra D. Wells, will resign her position effective June 30th, 2023.
The Lexington City School Board and Dr. Wells have mutually agreed upon a release from her contract which was scheduled to end on June 30, of 2024. The Board and Dr. Wells want to ensure adequate time to implement a thorough search for her replacement. Dr. Wells will remain in Lexington City Schools until June 30, 2023, and she has agreed to the board’s request to be available for a “transition period” following her last day to consult with or assist in the transition of the new superintendent.
Since Dr. Wells has been in Lexington, the district increased schools meeting growth from 20% to 80% after her first year; the district was awarded and implemented a $670,000+ state Teacher Compensation Model and Advanced Teaching Roles Grant; the district budget was overhauled to reduce use of Fund Balance to balance budget; the district implemented a $3.7 million dollar energy savings facility improvement initiative with Schneider Electric; implemented a 1:1 Personalized Learning Initiative in all schools; implemented a Global Academy at Southwest ES Global Academy; increased dual enrollment opportunities for high school students and the number of high school credit bearing courses for middle school students; implemented an Innovations Lab and Career Exploration Labs for middle school students; the district received the NC Research Triangle CleanTech Cluster Innovation Award (2022); and created and implemented a Jacket Parent Academy to improve parent and community engagement. In addition, the district’s fund balance improved by approximately $1.4 million.
Dr. Wells says that her tenure in Lexington City Schools has been a wonderful experience. “Since my arrival 5 years ago, I have witnessed first- hand the transformation of school facilities into safer, more esthetically pleasing and healthier environments; teachers who have gone above and beyond in ensuring that they are more technologically and professionally prepared for improving student learning; students who have proven to be resilient learners in a time of COVID and unrest in our world; one of the most amazing administrative and central office teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with; and a community that has been welcoming and supportive of the work being done in our schools.” Darrick Horton, chairperson of the Board shares, “We appreciate Dr. Wells’ leadership during what has been the most challenging period in public education during most of our lifetimes. We wish her well as we prepare for the next chapter for Lexington City Schools.”
The Lexington City School Board will begin the search process as soon as possible.
