Orange County Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd Wirt has been named the 2016 Outstanding Young Educator by the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum.

Wirt began his job as superintendent on July 1, 2015.

“Everything that I’ve thought about Orange County has been affirmed and more. We are excited about the work that’s going on and is ahead,” said Wirt.

Orange County Schools Superintendent Todd Wirt. Photo via Orange County Schools.

Orange County Schools Superintendent Todd Wirt. Photo via Orange County Schools.

The award is given to an education professional under 40 that makes an exceptional contribution to the profession.

Wirt had success in several school districts around the state before coming to Orange County but he humbly credited the people he has worked with for the award.

‘I’ve had great mentors and I’ve had great colleagues over the years and the award is just a representation of that,” said Wirt.

Gravelly Hill Middle School in Orange County Schools has also been awarded the 2016 Lighthouse School Award. This award is given to a school that shows student achievement and innovative teaching methods.

That award also made Wirt proud. He has a child at Gravelly Hill and has a close professional relationship with their principal.

“I had lots of pride yesterday on several levels, not only for our school system but as a parent and as a friend and colleague of our Principal Eric Yarbrough,” said Wirt.

As for his goals for the future of the district, Wirt hopes to make Orange County Schools a career destination.

“That’s really the terminology that we are using. We are trying to look for some of those internal things that we could put in place that are wins for our employees,” said Wirt.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Discusses Bond Projects and State Budget Delay With Local School Boards
The Orange County Board of Commissioners recently held a joint meeting with the local school boards to hear updates from each district.
Orange County, Chatham County School Districts Set Student Growth Records in 2024-25
In the student growth data recently released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, two out of the three districts that fully reached their growth goals are local: Orange County Schools and Chatham County Schools.
Orange County Schools Superintendent Jones Talks Back-to-School Tips, District Priorities for 2025-26
Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones joined 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell recently to discuss back to school preparation and district priorities.
Speaking of Schools: Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones
Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, August 6.
Speaking of Schools: Orange County Schools Superintendent Danielle Jones
Orange County Schools Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, June 27, discussing district news and events. She talked about highlights from the school year that just concluded, what she's learned about Orange County Schools in her first year and a half as superintendent. She also talked about the budget,  and summer capital projects for the district. She discussed summer activities, including an upcoming back to school event and more.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before CHCCS, Orange County High Schools’ 2025 Graduations
The local school districts are preparing to hold their graduations this weekend and have shared instructions for participants and visitors.
Speaking of Schools: Gravely Hill Middle School Art Teacher Amanda Aguayo
Gravely Hill Middle School Art Teacher Amanda Aguayo spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 10. She discussed her Middle School Art classroom and how she approaches teaching art to that grade level. She discussed highlights from the year and some of what she loves about teaching. She also discussed her appointment to Governor Stein's Teacher Advisory Committee, and more.
Here Are Top Takeaways From The Chamber's 2025 State of the Community Report
The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro held its 18th State of the Community presentation for local leaders on May 7
Orange County Schools' Selena Masse Named First-Ever Outstanding Holocaust Educator of the Year
An Orange County Schools teacher was recently named the first-ever Outstanding Holocaust Educator of the Year. 
Orange County Commissioners Consider School Budget Requests Alongside Potential Federal Funding Cuts, Tax Increases
The Orange County Commissioners recently met with the CHCCS and OCS boards to review proposed budgets for the upcoming school year.
›