By Matt Lamb
Staff Writer
Moore County Schools Superintendent Tim Locklair, who rose from the school system’s student body to its teaching ranks to the top job, announced on Monday that he is retiring from his position effective March 1, 2026.
A graduate of Pinecrest High School, Locklair became schools superintendent in 2022, succeeding Bob Grimesey, who retired.
“It has been an honor to serve the students, families and staff of Moore County Schools,” Locklair said in a prepared statement released by the school district. “I am grateful for every teacher, every employee, and every community member who has embraced the ‘MCS Way’ and worked together toward our shared vision of being the standard for excellence in education in North Carolina.
“Leadership matters, and I have been blessed to work alongside outstanding people who care deeply about our children. I am humbled by what we have accomplished together, and I passionately believe that the Moore County Schools team will continue to excel well into the future. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition as the district continues its momentum.”
Locklair began his professional education career in Moore County. After graduating from Western Carolina University in 1995, he spent four years as a social studies teacher and coach at Pinecrest before he was promoted to assistant principal in 1999.
Locklair also holds both a Master of School Administration and a Doctorate in Education from East Carolina University.
He served as principal of West Middle School for Montgomery County Schools from 2002 to 2004 before moving to Wake County for a series of leadership positions. Locklair was principal of Apex Middle School from 2004 to 2009 and principal of Holly Springs High School from 2009 to 2014.
In 2014, he was promoted to area superintendent of Western Wake County. In this role, he oversaw 26 schools (18 elementary, five middle and three high schools), including more than 2,000 employees and nearly 27,000 students in the Cary and Morrisville areas of Wake County.
In 2016, Grimesey hired him to be chief officer for Academics and Student Support Services, where he eventually became the district’s No. 2 chief officer.
A series of successes has marked Locklair’s tenure as superintendent. He led Moore County Schools through a period of significant academic growth, expanded learning opportunities, strengthened community partnerships and elevated the district’s reputation at the regional and state levels. He is widely recognized for launching the “MCS Way,” a collaborative, student-centered leadership approach emphasizing excellence, trust and teamwork across all 24 schools in the district.
Under his leadership, Moore County Schools achieved:
* A top 10 ranking, out of 115 school districts, in North Carolina for both Grade Level Proficiency and Career and Technical Education credential attainment for 2024–2025. The district is currently ranked No. 7 out of 115 districts in Grade Level Proficiency for 2025–2026;
* 77 percent of schools met or exceeded growth in the 2023-2024 school year;
* Purple Star District designation for five consecutive years, reflecting extraordinary support for military-connected students and families; and
* Launch of the Moore Innovative High School this past August. The program began with an unexpected $25 million state appropriation in the 2023 state budget, offering students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree while preparing for high-demand workforce pathways.
In addition, Locklair oversaw a significant expansion of public school choice opportunities, including Virtual Learning, Blend+Ed, and multiple in-person pathways designed to meet the needs of Moore County families.
His senior staff also created the School Leadership Academy, now in its fourth cohort, to develop the next generation of principals and executive leaders.
This past June, Locklair was named the 2025-2026 Regional Superintendent of the Year for the Sandhills Region, a recognition voted on by his peers across 13 districts. He was one of eight finalists for the 2026 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year Award.
But for all the successes, Locklair also struggled to deal with a Board of Education that was fractious to the point where board members frequently insulted each other in meetings and on social media. The divisions often resulted in overly long board meetings that burned out key senior staff members and raised concerns among the teaching corps.
Recently, Locklair has found difficulty leading the school board on a key capital project of building a new Carthage Elementary School. Although the district purchased land in October to replace the 75-year-old school, board members, county commissioners and some Carthage residents have since cast doubt on the issue.
Locklair and his team have also struggled to achieve a key goal of strengthening the district-run Moore County Schools Police. County commissioners approved doubling the force three years ago to ensure each school was adequately protected, but the district has yet to make any headway in hiring. The issue has been the source of numerous discussions this year between the board and Locklair.
Nonetheless, Locklair expressed his appreciation for his time in the district during the board’s work session on Monday.
“Serving at Moore County Schools has been a distinct honor and privilege along that journey. As a Moore County native since age 11 and a Pinecrest graduate, returning home to lead this district has been a deeply meaningful opportunity for me. Over the past several years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible commitment, talent and heart our employee team has brought to their work each day, whether they teach, they’re support staff, they lead, they drive, they cook, mentor, clean, coach or serve in any other role across our 24 schools in the district, our team has made a difference in the lives of our children, our families and community.”
As for the future, Locklair added, “This decision is driven from both personal and professional perspectives. From a personal perspective, this decision will enable me to focus more on my health and enable me to have more time to spend with my mom and dad, my wife, kids and broader family.
“Professionally, the timing of this decision is driven by our school district being in a great place overall. We have great stability and strength and leadership across our district from our senior level down through our schoolhouses.”
Board of Education Chair Robin Calcutt, who, as a Moore County Schools principal and administrator, once reported to Locklair, said the district is better for his tenure.
“We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Locklair’s service, leadership and deep love for the students and staff of Moore County Schools,” she said. “His commitment to academic excellence, community engagement and leadership development has set a strong foundation for continued success.
“We are glad you came back home, Dr. Locklair,” Calcutt added. “The board will be thoughtful and thorough in our upcoming superintendent search to ensure a seamless transition for our district.”
Locklair, who lives in Seven Lakes, said he plans to spend more time with family while exploring new opportunities to continue supporting public schools across North Carolina.
Regarding the search for a new district leader, Board Attorney Rich Schwartz provided a best-practices brief. He will work with board members, Central Office staff, and, potentially, with a consulting team to find a new superintendent.
Calcutt, who was re-elected Monday to serve another year as board chair, will lead the search. Board member Shannon Davis was re-elected as vice chair.
Contact Matt Lamb at (910) 693-2479 or mlamb@thepilot.com.
