Superintendent Search

At the December 7, 2024, meeting of the Onslow County Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Barry Collins informed the Board of his intent to retire effective March 1, 2025. The Board’s legal counsel is facilitating its search for the next superintendent of the Onslow County Schools (OCS). To that end, the Board is seeking direct input from interested members of the community and staff to assist in defining the qualities and characteristics desired in the next OCS superintendent.

The Board invites staff, students, parents, and community members to participate by completing a short community input form which can be accessed here: OCS Input Form for Superintendent Candidate Profile. Paper copies of the form also are available for completion and may be found in the Onslow County Schools’ central office located at 200 Broadhurst Road in Jacksonville. All forms must be completed by Tuesday, January 28, 2025, with results to be compiled, summarized, and presented to the Board at a future Board meeting.

The Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving input on desired qualities and characteristics for the next superintendent. The meeting will be held in the main meeting room of the Eastern North Carolina Regional Skills Center (ENCRSC), located at 261 Northwest Corridor Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC. Citizens must sign up to speak before the meeting begins and must otherwise comply with applicable board policy.

Citizens also may sign up to address the Board during the public comment period at any of the upcoming regularly scheduled Board meetings, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on January 7, and February 4. The meetings will be held in the main meeting room of the ENCRSC. Citizens must sign up to speak before the meeting begins and must otherwise comply with applicable Board policy.

In addition to input received from the form and public comment, local groups and organizations may submit written statements regarding the leadership qualities that they consider important in the next superintendent. Such statements should be submitted to Katie Cornetto via mail at Poyner Spruill, LLP Attention: Katie Cornetto, PO Box 1801, Raleigh, NC 27602-1801, via e-mail at kcornetto@poynerspruill.com, or via fax at 919-783-1075. These statements should be received no later than January 28, 2025.

The Onslow County Board of Education is seeking a superintendent to lead the school system in its continued pursuit of excellence. Candidates must meet the legal requirements to be licensed as a superintendent in North Carolina or be qualified to serve under the State Board of Education’s alternative guidelines. Central office and building-level experience are preferred. A doctorate degree or progress toward a doctorate degree is preferred but not required. A successful candidate will be required to live in the Onslow County School District.

A successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to achieve success in (1) visionary educational leadership; (2) curriculum and instruction; (3) goal setting and monitoring achievement; (4) fostering community and/or intergovernmental partnerships; (5) administration and organization of short-term and long-term strategic planning, budgeting, and personnel and facility management; (6) strong communication and effective team-building; (7) procuring additional funding; (8) visibility and involvement in community activities; (9) leadership in maintaining safe and orderly school environments; (10) planning and funding of school facilities; and (11) decision making, delegation, and follow-through.

The Onslow County Board of Education consists of seven members elected to staggered, four-year terms. The Onslow County School System serves approximately 28,000 students in prekindergarten through twelfth grade. The district currently operates 42 educational facilities which include 22 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, 7 high schools, 1 early college, 1 early childhood center, 1 skills center, 1 virtual school, and 1 learning center. The Board’s stated mission is: “The Onslow County Schools community will prepare students to be globally competitive leaders and responsible citizens in the 21st century.” Please visit the school system website to learn more about Onslow County Schools.

Onslow County is situated on the eastern coastline of North Carolina, approximately 120 miles southeast of Raleigh and 50 miles north of Wilmington, NC. The county has a population of over 213,000 people. Onslow County has several municipalities, including Jacksonville, the county seat, and the incorporated towns of Holly Ridge, Richlands, Swansboro, North Topsail Beach, a portion of Surf City, and unincorporated Sneads Ferry. Onslow County is very proud of its strong military ties and connections and is home to U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the largest amphibious Marine base in the world. 

Applicants must complete an application for employment with Onslow County Schools. Direct all inquiries to Katie Cornetto, Partner. Poyner Spruill, LLP at 301 Fayetteville St., Suite 1900, Raleigh, NC 27601. Phone: (919) 783-1144. Fax: (919) 783-1075. Email: kcornetto@poynerspruill.com.

Access the Application - https://www.applitrack.com/onslow/onlineapp/

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, January 2, 2025. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

Onslow County Schools announces the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Barry Collins from the Onslow County School District, effective March 1, 2025. Superintendent Collins’ retirement will mark the end of a 36-year educational career serving students in the state of North Carolina. Collins has spent nearly 6 years successfully leading the Onslow County School District as superintendent. Read the full media release on Dr. Collins' retirement.

As Dr. Collins prepares to retire on February 28, 2025, we reflect on his many contributions and the lasting impact he has made on Onslow County Schools. We are grateful for his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community. 

The Onslow County Board of Education has begun discussions on how they will move forward with filling the superintendent's position. Information, links, and other resources related to the Onslow County Schools Superintendent Search will be posted on this page.