By Miles and Nicole Layton
GATESVILLE — Gates County Public Schools will have new leadership beginning Aug. 1 after the Board of Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Barry Williams during a brief public meeting Monday evening.
The board convened in closed session earlier in the day on Monday, July 20, before recessing until 6 p.m. for the public portion of the meeting. Following the open session, members returned to closed session to complete personnel matters and hear an employee appeal.
During the public meeting, Board Chair Leslie Byrum announced that the board had received Williams’ resignation letter and asked members for their pleasure.
The board unanimously voted to accept Williams’ resignation effective July 31, 2026.
With Williams’ departure approved, the board immediately turned to appointing an interim leader.
Board members unanimously approved appointing Dr. Chante Lassiter Jordan to serve as acting superintendent through July 31, before assuming the role of interim superintendent on Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.
Jordan, a Gates County native, currently serves as the school district’s director of human resources and director of exceptional children’s programs. She has more than 18 years of experience in public education.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in special education, a Master of Special Education, a Master of School Administration and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in educational administration and supervision from East Carolina University. She is pursuing her doctorate at ECU.
The board did not discuss why Jordan was selected for the interim role, but her appointment provides continuity within the district as officials prepare for the search for a permanent superintendent.
No discussion preceded either vote.
Williams has served as superintendent of Gates County Public Schools since January 2012, leading the district for more than 14 years.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Before coming to North Carolina, Williams served two years as a school superintendent in Colorado.
During his tenure in Gates County, Williams also earned a degree in educational law and achieved national superintendent certification through AASA, The School Superintendents Association. He was named the Northeast Region Superintendent of the Year in 2019 and has served on numerous state committees and leadership cohorts focused on advancing public education.
The board did not publicly discuss the reason for Williams’ resignation or outline plans for a permanent superintendent search during the open session.
Following the personnel actions, the board had no additional public business. Members thanked those in attendance for coming out despite heavy rain before voting to return to closed session to complete remaining personnel matters, including an employee records request and an employee appeal.
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