From The Chowan Herald

COLUMBIA – The Tyrrell County Board of Education has appointed Oliver A. Holley as the next superintendent of the Tyrrell County Schools.

Holley has ties to local school systems in Bertie and Northampton counties as well as Perquimans County.

He formerly served as Principal at Conway Middle School. Additionally, Holley held positions as a Behavior Intervention Specialist, a Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, and Dean of Students with Northampton County Public Schools.

The Tyrrell County Board of Education made the announcement of Holley’s hiring after its meeting Thursday morning.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen to lead Tyrrell County Schools,” said Holley, who will take

office Oct. 15. “I look forward to meeting and speaking with students, staff, parents, and community members to begin learning about the great things happening in Tyrrell County Schools and how we can work together to achieve at even higher levels.”

Travis Twiford has been serving as interim superintendent since June after Will Hoffman left to take a job as superintendent of Madison County School system in the mountains at the western end of the state. Hoffman, a native of Madison County, had served three years as superintendent for Tyrrell schools.

During the search process for a new superintendent, the Board carefully reviewed applications from a diverse field of 38 candidates.

“Although many qualified candidates applied, the Board felt that Holley’s experience, leadership, and dedication to students would best serve Tyrrell County Schools students, staff, and the community for years to come,” said Lee Scripture, Tyrrell County Board of Education chairman. “The Board is confident that Holley will lead the school system to even higher achievement.”

The community, students, teachers and staff are invited to a reception to greet Holley and his family that held between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Tyrrell County Board of Education Building.

“Holley looks forward to leading the Tyrrell County School System and becoming an active member of the community,” Scripture said. “The Board is confident that he will continue to implement the Board’s vision of the school system and build upon the progress of the current administration.”

Holley has enjoyed a successful career in public education in North Carolina for more than 17 years.

Since 2016, he has served as the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Perquimans County Schools System, overseeing the overall success and daily operation of the department. Holley also serves on the Curriculum and Instruction Team, Superintendent Leadership Cabinet, and District Safety Team.

Prior to Perquimans County, Holley served as Director of Afterschool Programs in Weldon City Schools (2004-2006.)

Holley began his career as a teacher in Bertie County. In 2001, Holley was named Bertie County New Teacher of the Year.

Holley has an impressive academic background as well, including a bachelor’s degree in English from Elizabeth City State University in 2001.

Holley earned a master’s degree in School Administration from Cambridge College, in Cambridge, MA. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University.

Governor Roy Cooper appointed Holley to serve on the North Carolina Teacher and State Employee Retirement Commission Board of Trustees in February of this year.

Holley is the current NC President of the Principal and Administrators Division of the North Carolina Association of Educators.

He is married to Natasha Holley, and together they have two children.

(This article, updated with Holley’s career information during his time with Northampton County Public Schools, is published with the permission of The Chowan Herald.)