Baldwin named Asheville City Schools superintendent

ASHEVILLE – Pamela Baldwin is officially the Asheville City Schools “tiny, smart, powerful lady” of choice.

The Asheville City Board of Education announced Tuesday morning its new superintendent, after months of searching and several rounds of interviews.

“I’m partial to tiny, smart, powerful ladies,” board member Leah Ferguson said. “And from what we heard from the community, it was clear they all felt the exact same way as we did.”

Baldwin, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Scotland County Schools in Laurinburg, was chosen over two other finalists, Ronald Hargrave, of Statesville, and Jeff Cox, of Sparta.

“The biggest thing that will be tough for me is the wait time,” Baldwin said. “I’m ready to get to work, to just dive in and do what’s right for students.”

Baldwin, who will take over for interim superintendent Bobbie Short starting July 1, got a standing ovation from city schools staff at the special meeting and a line of several dozen hugs after.

“After I met the board I was pretty sold,” she said. “But after I met the teachers and staff, it was a done deal for me. I’m just really excited.”

Baldwin answered more than 30 questions in a public forum earlier this month on issues ranging from AVID programming to racism.

A former high school science teacher, principal and coach, she emphasized a passion for professional development and for being a major presence in schools.

“When I talk to teachers, I’m talking to them as a teacher,” Baldwin said.

“Job one is to really talk to teachers and staff and the community, to see what they feel our priorities should be and where we need to begin.

“I’m not planning on coming in here and trying to all of a sudden change the world,” she said. “I know this is already a great district and the people here have the wisdom we need to go forward.”

Baldwin signed a four-year contract and will be paid a base salary of $135,000. Former city schools superintendent Allen Johnson retired last year.

Board chairwoman Jacqueline Hallum said Baldwin made a great first impression and community feedback supporting her was “overwhelming.”

“This has been a long time coming, and we’re excited this moment is finally here,” Hallum said. “This wasn’t just a decision from the board, this was a community decision.”

“We spoke with a lot of parents and teachers who have worked with Dr. Baldwin, and the thing that struck me was how much people absolutely loved her,” board member Matt Buys said. “Words like ‘phenomenal’ and ‘super star.’ It was almost too much.

“I feel extremely grateful we got her,” he said. “I think she’s going to be a game changer for this city.”

Baldwin has twin daughters, both of whom plan to attend N.C. State University in the fall.

“One student told me after all the interviews, ‘that one guy looks like he’s fun, but she looks like she’s going to do a lot of work,’” Hallum said.

“Cheers to all the work this district is about to be doing.”

Pamela Baldwin

Current position: Assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction (2012-present), Scotland County Schools, Laurinburg.

Education: Doctorate in educational leadership and administration, UNC Wilmington; master’s in administration and supervision, East Carolina University; bachelor of science in biology, George Mason University.

Career highlights: Middle school and high school assistant principal and principal; high school science teacher; director of teaching and learning — mentor, coach, evaluation process.