Today Superintendent Mark Johnson announced that Maria Pitre-Martin, deputy superintendent for district support, has been chosen to lead the Petersburg, Virginia city schools as superintendent.
“Dr. Pitre-Martin has been a wonderful asset to North Carolina public schools,” Johnson said. “We wish Maria best, and I know I speak for everyone at the Department of Public Instruction when I say we will miss her energy and professionalism.”
Johnson announced that when Pitre-Martin departs DPI on June 28, Beverly Emory will assume the role of deputy superintendent.
“Having Dr. Emory ready to take over this crucial role is great news for DPI and for our support for districts and schools across North Carolina,” Johnson said.
Currently the director of the District Regional Support division for the agency, Emory was previously superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
A native of Marion, Emory has been a principal, central office administrator, and adjunct university professor; she began her career teaching science and math at West McDowell Junior High School in Marion. Emory earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in School Administration from Appalachian State University and holds a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University. Emory’s experience will be instrumental in her work to create a system of data-driven supports for schools and districts across the state.
About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction provides leadership to 115 local public school districts and 160 charter schools serving over 1.5 million students in kindergarten through high school graduation. The agency is responsible for all aspects of the state's public school system and works under the direction of the North Carolina State Board of Education.