Longtime school official will retire
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 17, 2014 1:46 PM
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Sandra McCullen
Dr. Sandra McCullen, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Wayne County Public Schools, will retire effective Dec. 1.
The 42-year veteran educator made the announcement to her staff Thursday afternoon.
It was "sad but exciting," she said.
"I'm looking forward to being with my family. I don't have any particular plans other than enjoying life and working," she said.
Her growing family was a big reason for the decision, she said.
"I have been thinking about it for a while," she said. "I think God always tells us when it's time. These grandchildren are part of the equation."
Reflecting on her years with the school system, she said she was pleased with what had been accomplished during her career.
"I enjoyed Wayne County Public Schools. It's a passion of mine -- for our students, we have so many students in Wayne County that we provide services that they wouldn't otherwise have," she said. "It's been a blessing."
Mrs. McCullen started her education career in 1972, as an eighth grade math/science teacher at Brogden Junior High. She was volunteer instruction program coordinator at Southern Wayne High School from 1973-1979 before becoming K-9 school counselor at Grantham School from.
She returned to Southern Wayne in 1984 as an industry education coordinator and was the district's vocational education director from 1987 to 1989. During that time, she also served as a psychology/counseling professor at Campbell University.
She was principal at Greenwood Middle School before being named director of secondary/middle/music education and student services for the school system in 1996 and also served as an adjunct counseling professor at N.C. State University. In 2000, she was promoted to her current position.
A Wayne County native, she attended Seven Springs High and was a sophomore the first year Southern Wayne opened. She holds a bachelor's degree in home economics from East Carolina University, a master's degree in counselor education from N.C. State, doctorate degrees in counselor education and supervision/administration and a vocational director certification.
In 2008, she became the second woman to ever be elected to the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, serving one term while juggling her duties at the central office.
Reflecting on the highlights over the years, there have been many, she said.
"There are little things, like even when I was at Southern Wayne, and it's still there, the Youth in Government and Business Day. We did that as a pilot at Southern Wayne many years ago," she said. "That's something that's continued through my career."
Career fairs, career and vocational education and especially the relationships that have been built with students and staff hold a special place in her heart, she says.
"And more recently, working with Communities in Schools and Wayne Education Network and the Chamber and seeing the community rise to the top to help our students be successful," she said. "Developing the relationships in the community has meant a lot to me. Working with those people that are truly dedicated has meant a lot."
Mrs. McCullen said she has enjoyed watching the many changes in education over the years -- from distance learning to the STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math, focus being added to regular instruction in schools.
"I'm always excited about new things to help our students become successful in the changing global society," she said. "There's always room to learn and grow and I encourage everybody to be a learner for their entire life."
Superintendent Dr. Steven Taylor praised Mrs. McCullen's contributions to the district, calling her a "tireless advocate" for all students.
"Dr. McCullen's work ethic has always been second to none and her workday regularly goes beyond normal school hours in order to ensure teachers receive the support and resources necessary to effectively educate their students," he said. "Her contributions to our district, Wayne County and the state of North Carolina are beyond measure and countless students are the benefactors of her dedication to education."
The superintendent said his associate will be difficult to replace but leaves behind a "valuable legacy" of which she should be proud.
Her leadership role also included the successful development and introduction of the district's two newest, non-traditional high schools, Wayne Early/Middle College High School and Wayne School of Engineering, he said.
This marks the fourth member of the leadership team to announce retirement plans in the last 14 months.
Olivia Pierce, executive director for information and technology services, retired in August 2013. Dr. Craig McFadden, assistant superintendent for accountability and student services, departed March 1. Nan Barwick, assistant superintendent for fiscal services, retired in June.