Less than 5 weeks after Superintendent Dr. Ed Croom announced his retirement, the Johnston County School Board named his replacement on Monday.
By unanimous vote, the Johnston County Board of Education selected Dr. David Ross Renfrow as the district’s new superintendent.
Renfrow, a 22 year veteran of Johnston County Schools, currently serves as the district’s deputy superintendent, a position he has held since Jan. 2013.
“I am confident we have found a true leader in Dr. Renfrow, and the Board agrees that he is the best fit for Johnston County,” said Board of Education Chairman Larry Strickland. “His strong leadership skills and experience are exactly what our district will need in these coming years.”
Prior to this post, Renfrow served as the inaugural principal of the new Corinth Holders High School from 2009 to 2012 in Wendell and additionally as principal of North Johnston High School in Kenly for six years.
“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead a district I have been passionate about for years,” said Renfrow. “We have made great strides under Dr. Croom’s leadership, and I am looking forward to the continued success of our shared vision for Johnston County Schools.”
Renfrow received his undergraduate degree and master’s degree from East Carolina University, where he also completed his doctoral studies.
Dr. Renfrow will assume his duties as superintendent on March 1, 2016. In a press conference at Smithfield Selma High, Dr. Renfrow said he is not perfect and that he will make mistakes however, he will correct them and learn from them so it will not be repeated again.
Renfrow said the position will be “challenging” but that he looked forward to working with teachers, support staff, parents and students. Renfrow said the goal is to put children in a position to be successful. Teachers, he said, must be caring and compassionate as they prepare students for college, careers, and life itself. Renfrow promised to work with everyone. “It’s not important who is right, but what is right.”
Dr. Renfrow also thanked outgoing superintendent Dr. Croom for his leadership.
