The Orange County Schools Board of Education has selected a Wake County educator to serve as the district’s new superintendent.

Photo via Wake County Public Schools

Photo via Wake County Public Schools

Dr. Todd Wirt currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Academics in Wake County Schools. He has 16 years experience in public education, including teaching science and math to middle schoolers and serving as a middle school and high school principal.

The school board screened 40 applicants for the position. A statement to the press reads:

“The board was especially impressed with his focus on closing the achievement gap and implementing the school system’s strategic plan.”

Wirt implemented a 1-to-1 laptop initiative at Mooresville High School, similar to the initiative in place at middle and high schools in Orange County.

Wirt will step in to his new role in July, taking over from interim Superintendent Del Burns.