Dr. David Pearce was sworn in as Superintendent for Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
The ceremony was held at the Evander S. Simpson Building in Smithfield, where Dr. Pearce was joined by his family, colleagues, and community members. Dr. Pearce was sworn in by the Honorable Addie H. Rawls, District Court Judge, retired.
During the ceremony, remarks were made by Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews, Dr. David Pearce, as well as a closing prayer by Rev. Kristen Tucker, pastor of First Baptist Church, Smithfield, NC.
“I am both humbled and honored to serve in a district that has given so much to me,” stated Dr. Pearce. “I have one goal in mind and that is to ensure that the students of Johnston County Public Schools are provided the best educational opportunities possible, that our staff is supported and equipped to do the work they love to do, and for our families to be actively involved and engaged in the great work we are doing in the school district.”
Dr. Pearce, who was appointed Superintendent during the June 17, 2025, Special Session Personnel Meeting, has exemplified exceptional leadership in education for 23 years, recently serving as Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Auxiliary Services.
Dr. Pearce is a lifelong educator and a graduate of Johnston County Public Schools. His educational journey led him to Barton College and East Carolina University, where he received undergraduate degrees. He later matriculated at North Carolina State University and East Carolina State University to obtain a Master of School Administration Degree and Doctorate of Education, respectively.
Dr. Pearce’s expertise, experience, and passion for education have garnered him notable recognition at the district and state levels. A few of the notable recognitions include recipient of the Johnston County Public Schools Leading with the Heart Award, Outstanding Principal by The North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NCAAHPERD), Outstanding Administrator for the Autism Society of North Carolina, Johnston County Principal of the Year, and Benson Educator of the Year.
The July 1, 2025, swearing-in ceremony marks the official beginning of the 4-year contractual term as Superintendent.
“As a board and district, we are excited to work with Dr. Pearce and his team and continue the legacy of excellent education Johnston County Public Schools has become known for,” added Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews. “Dr. Pearce understands the needs of our district, as well as the expectations of the board and the community. We are confident that he will do a great job leading Johnston County Public Schools.”
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