After 30 years of service in North Carolina education, Orange County Schools Superintendent Patrick Rhodes has decided to retire on June 30.
“I’ve decided to retire because I have 30 plus years in the state of North Carolina, and I’ve been very blessed to have these wonderful experiences,” Rhodes said. “I’m now ready to try other career choices.”
During his time with public schools in North Carolina, Rhodes has worked in the Durham Public Schools district, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools.
He has served as a science teacher, a basketball coach, a principal and, for the last five years, a superintendent.
Rhodes said he has had several accomplishments during his time with the school system, including increasing student achievement levels, improving high school graduation rates and managing state budget cuts without negatively impacting the classroom.
“I think he’s done a lot for the school district,” said Orange County Schools Board of Education Chairwoman Donna Coffey.
“He’s made great progress in closing the achievement gap, expanding our pre-K programs under his tenure and improving high school graduation rates.”
His colleagues, like board member Brenda Stephens, praised his passion for education and his dedication to the school district.
“Under his leadership the schools made significant advances. He’s accomplished quite a bit since he’s been with Orange County Schools,” Stephens said.