ORANGE COUNTY – McDowell County Schools Superintendent Dr. Gerri Martin was announced Thursday night as Orange Schools’ next superintendent.

Martin has served McDowell County in Marion since July 2012. She’s been working in education for 27 years, including four years as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction prior to her role in McDowell.

The Orange County Schools Board of Education reviewed 30 applications which came from 11 states. In a press release on Thursday, the board said Martin’s experience, credentials, strong communication skills, tenacious work ethic, and dedication to student learning makes her the best fit.

Martin got her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Politics from Wake Forest University. A few years later, she went on to Appalachian State University where she obtained her master’s of arts in Educational Leadership. She continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she received her Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations.

“I am so humbled to receive the opportunity for this responsibility,” Martin said. “I come with great enthusiasm to serve the students, staff, and community of Orange County.”

Martin will take the position at a date to be determined in October.

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