GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Guilford County Schools named Dr. Whitney Oakley as the new superintendent of the school district.
Dr. Oakley is the first superintendent from Guilford County.
Oakley brings more than 20 years of educational experience to the role.
She was sworn in by the honorable Henry Frye, Former North Carolina Chief Justice.
"I am the product of Guilford County Schools," Dr. Oakley said. "GCS is on the verge of a new chapter. I feel called to lead our schools. I want to finish the great work that we started."
A Greensboro native, Oakley attended public schools in Guilford County from kindergarten to high school, according to Guilford County Schools.
School officials said she started her career as a teacher at Frazier Elementary in GCS before serving as an assistant principal and principal with Alamance-Burlington Schools.
“Dr. Oakley has spent most of her career serving the students and families of Guilford County. She is a collaborative leader who is deeply invested in the success of our community,” said Board Chairperson Deena Hayes-Greene. “She is a homegrown leader determined to break down barriers so all children can achieve their full potential.”
Former GCS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Contreras announced in January she would step down as superintendent to pursue a new role.
Contreras will be CEO of nonprofit group The Innovation Project. She was appointed superintendent in 2016.
Her last day with the district was Wednesday.
The Guilford County Schools’ Board of Education named Dr. Whitney Oakley as the acting superintendent in the interim.
Oakley returned to GCS in 2012, where she has held various leadership positions in the district, including chief academic officer and assistant superintendent of teaching, learning, and professional development.
She has served as acting superintendent since July.
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