NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The New Hanover County Board of Education has unanimously approved the contract to appoint Christ Barnes as the permanent superintendent of New Hanover County Schools.
READ MORE: NHCS funds more staff, interim superintendent gets glowing reviews after listening tour
Formerly the assistant superintendent of human resources, Barnes has been serving as the acting, and then interim, superintendent since the school board fired Charles Foust in July 2024. The school board unanimously voted to begin contract negotiations with Barnes in January.
“I am honored to continue serving New Hanover County Schools,” Barnes said. “This unified decision underscores our shared commitment to putting students first. My focus remains on authenticity, consistency, and visibility, ensuring that our educators feel supported, our students are empowered, and our families are engaged in their children’s success.”
The contract’s term runs from March 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Barnes salary will be $256,927, which is the same amount Foust made before his termination.
Since taking the helm, Barnes has received praise from each board member, particularly for his districtwide “listening tour” he completed in the fall. Barnes interviewed around 2,300 employees on the district’s rights and wrongs, plus asked for input on practices Barnes can implement immediately to change the culture a recent climate survey revealed to be toxic in the district.
One of the main things revealed from the tour was the importance of proper funding.
“The fact that the ESSER [Covid-19 relief] funding ended but student needs did not is something we have to wrestle with every day,” Barnes told the board in October. “People losing their educators, last-minute budget cuts overwhelming staff, and obviously the words that our state allotments are not equal to the needs of our students.”
Staff feedback led to 23 positions — including EC teachers, testing coordinators, bus aides — being added back to the district after they were cut as part of a $20 million shortfall last fiscal year.
“The unanimous vote to appoint Dr. Barnes reflects our collective belief in his ability to lead with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to our students, teachers, and staff,” board chair Melissa Mason. “His leadership has already brought stability and progress, and we are confident that, together, we will continue moving NHCS forward.”
Reach journalist Brenna Flanagan at brenna@localdailymedia.com.
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