Jennifer Purvis, a longtime Moore County educator who began her career in the district nearly three decades ago, has been selected as the next superintendent of Moore County Schools.
The Moore County Board of Education voted June 1 to appoint Purvis to the position and approved a four-year contract. She will officially take over the role July 1 after serving as interim superintendent since March.
Purvis is no stranger to the district. A graduate of North Moore High School, she has spent her entire professional career with Moore County Schools, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and, most recently, interim superintendent.
Her appointment comes at a time when the district continues to face challenges ranging from student achievement and school growth to facility needs and long-term planning. School board members said Purvis’ experience at nearly every level of the district made her a strong candidate to lead Moore County Schools moving forward.
Before becoming interim superintendent, Purvis served as assistant superintendent for operations, overseeing major district departments and capital projects. She worked closely with both the Board of Education and Moore County commissioners on operational and facility needs throughout the school system.
Purvis earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and sociology from UNC Greensboro and a master’s degree in reading education from UNC Pembroke. She also completed the Sandhills Leadership Academy administrator program.
One of her most notable accomplishments came during her tenure as principal of North Moore High School, where the school’s graduation rate increased from 74.6% to 91.6%, according to Moore County Schools. She was named Moore County Schools Principal of the Year in 2016.
In a statement released by the district, Purvis said she was honored by the board’s confidence and looks forward to continuing to serve the community where she grew up and built her career.
“Moore County Schools is an exceptional district because of the dedicated employees who serve our students every day, the supportive families who partner with us, and a community that values education and believes in the potential of every child,” Purvis said.
A public swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for June 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the North Moore High School auditorium in Robbins.
Moore County Schools serves approximately 13,000 students across 24 schools throughout the county.
