Contributed
The North Carolina School Superintendents Association and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD) have announced Jamie Synan a recipient of the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award.
This annual award is presented to a graduate of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association Aspiring Superintendent Program, which is designed to empower transformational education leaders for North Carolina’s public schools. The award is named in honor of Houston, who is president and CEO of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center.
Houston served as superintendent of the Mooresville Graded School District for 10 years, where he opened the first year-round school in North Carolina.
Jack Hoke, executive director of the North Carolina School Superintendents Association, said Synan exemplifies the traits that have guided Houston’s career in educational leadership.
“She has a commitment to continuous improvement, high standards of ethical conduct, strategic planning, improving student performance and meeting the needs of the 21st century workforce,” he said. “I look forward to Ms. Synan serving as deputy superintendent of the Moore County Schools effective July 1.”
Synan has 25 years of experience in public education. She has served North Carolina as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of student support services and a chief academic officer. She is currently the assistant superintendent for Academics and Student Support Services for Moore County Schools.
Synan was honored as the 2012 Wells Fargo District Principal of the Year and served as the president of the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association for Region 4 from 2011 to 2014. She is a 2012 graduate of the NCPAPA Distinguished Leadership in Practice Cohort 2.
Synan earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Elmira College, her master’s degree in educational leadership from High Point University, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Education
Administration and Supervision from East Carolina University.
“Moore County Schools is fortunate to have Ms. Synan as a senior leader in our district,” said Moore County Schools Superintendent Tim Locklair. “Leadership matters, and Ms. Synan demonstrates this on a daily basis. She leads with passion for those she serves, and she works tirelessly each day to ensure our administrators and staff are supported at high levels in order to ensure the growth of our students each and every day.
“Additionally, as demonstrated through her participation in the Aspiring Superintendent’s Cohort, she is committed to her own personal growth so she can better serve others. I am very proud of her leadership and growth, and I am truly excited to see how she will continue to impact our school district and community. ”
“I am honored to receive the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award,” Synan said. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary leaders who have inspired and challenged me. This program has not only provided valuable insights into my own leadership journey, but it has also empowered me to better serve my district and community with purpose and commitment. I am grateful for the Aspiring Superintendents Cohort and for the chance to continue growing and making a positive impact.”
