The Public Schools of Robeson County proudly announces that Amanda Graham, PSRC’s Relay/Leverage Leadership Principal Coach Supervisor, is among distinguished school and district leaders across the state who recently graduated from the tenth cohort of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) Aspiring Superintendents Program.
The North Carolina Aspiring Superintendents’ Program is a customized leadership development program targeting selected district leaders who have demonstrated outstanding success in their administrative roles and who aspire to the superintendency in North Carolina.
“The North Carolina School Superintendent's Association (NCSSA) program was a transformative experience, marking a significant milestone in my professional journey. The program, which spanned from October through March 2026, was designed to cultivate the next generation of visionary educational leaders, and I am proud to have successfully completed it,” Graham said.
“My participation in the NCSSA program has equipped me with the strategic vision, leadership skills, and network necessary to drive meaningful change. I am deeply appreciative of the NCSSA and its leadership, particularly Jack Hoke, Executive Director, for their unwavering commitment to school leadership development. I look forward to applying these newly acquired skills to serve the students and staff of the Public Schools of Robeson County,” Graham added.
Graham’s experience included several immersive and informative leadership development sessions as well as an Executive Coaching component by a superintendent.
Dr. Freddie Williamson, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County, shared congratulatory remarks for Graham’s participation and completion of the program.
“On behalf of the Public Schools of Robeson County, I would like to congratulate Mrs. Graham on her completion of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association Aspiring Superintendents Program. Her dedication and commitment to professional growth and development are exemplary. I know she will use what she has learned to enhance our school district through her leadership,” Dr. Williamson said.
Offered through the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development, the Aspiring Superintendents’ Program seeks to prepare future superintendents by enhancing their technical skills, including skills necessary for the superintendency, along with 21st Century contemporary personal leadership and development skills.
“The program is designed to support the growth, expansion and enhancement of school and district leaders in the leadership positions they currently occupy while providing high-quality professional development to increase their knowledge base about the skills and dispositions needed by future superintendents,” said Jack Hoke, Executive Director of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association.
Reflecting on Graham’s participation, Hoke said, “Mrs. Graham developed a strong network of district leaders to consult with, and she contributed to the discussions on emerging issues, innovative practices and challenges occurring in the Public Schools of Robeson County."
About the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA)
The North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) is dedicated to supporting the state’s 115 superintendents through high-quality professional development, leadership training, and advocacy for strong public schools. NCSSA provides a range of resources, including two statewide leadership conferences, executive coaching for new superintendents, webinars, and a weekly email update, ensuring that educational leaders are well-equipped to guide their districts effectively.
Membership in NCSSA is available to all 115 local superintendents in North Carolina, as well as the directors of the state’s Regional Education Service Alliances (RESAs). Superintendents and their local boards of education may also choose to join NCSSA’s umbrella organization, the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA), as a District Member.
This membership extends NCSSA benefits to the entire leadership team—including principals and assistant principals—while providing access to NCASA’s premier professional development, timely communications, and effective nonpartisan advocacy in education policy and law.
Jack Hoke serves as the Executive Director of NCSSA, bringing over three decades of experience in school administration, including 12 years as superintendent of Alexander County Schools. He leads NCSSA with the support of the NCASA team, ensuring a strong foundation for educational leadership across the state.
As a trusted resource for North Carolina’s educational leaders, NCSSA plays a vital role in strengthening public education. As a core affiliate of NCASA, NCSSA membership includes privileges in both organizations, providing a comprehensive network of support for superintendents and school administrators statewide.
For more information about the NCSSA Aspiring Superintendents Program, visit https://www.ncssa.net.