Pender County Schools Chief Named North Carolina Superintendent
Brad Breedlove has been honored for his leadership and will advance to the national competition next year.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Administration
The North Carolina School Superintendents' Association named Brad Breedlove the 2027 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year. Breedlove, who has led Pender County Schools since January 2023, was chosen from a final pool of eight regional winners.
Why it matters
This award recognizes leadership excellence within the state public education system and highlights the administrative stability now seen in Pender County. The recognition marks a significant achievement for the district as its leadership prepares for national evaluation.
Brad Breedlove was selected from eight regional candidates for the 2027 award. This is the first time a leader from the Pender County school system has received this state-level honor.
The players
Brad Breedlove
The current superintendent of Pender County Schools who was named North Carolina Superintendent of the Year and previously served as the 2014 North Carolina Principal of the Year.
North Carolina School Superintendents' Association
A professional organization for state school administrators that advocates for educational leadership and recognizes excellence in district management.
North Carolina Association of School Administrators
A statewide organization dedicated to supporting school leaders through professional development, advocacy, and recognition programs.
The details
A formal selection committee evaluated candidates from across North Carolina to identify the year's top administrator. The process involves identifying regional winners first, who then compete for the state title based on their administrative track record and professional achievements. Breedlove brings a background in school-level leadership to the role, having previously been named North Carolina Principal of the Year in 2014.
Timeline
2014: Brad Breedlove named North Carolina Principal of the Year.
January 2023: Brad Breedlove began his tenure as Pender County Schools superintendent.
October 8, 2026: Brad Breedlove was named North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.
February 25-27, 2027: The National Superintendent of the Year competition is scheduled in Atlanta.
The Home Front
The selection of a local administrator for the North Carolina Superintendent of the Year award underscores the current professionalization of school district management across the state. This honor highlights the shifting focus toward long-term leadership stability in regional school systems.
Families in Pender County can monitor how the district utilizes this administrative recognition to influence local school policies and resource allocation. Parents should check the district calendar for upcoming meetings where administrative goals for the next year are discussed.
The takeaway
Effective school administration relies on proven leadership that translates from the principal's office to the superintendent's desk. For local context, stay updated on school board communications regarding district initiatives following this state-level recognition.
What happens next
Brad Breedlove will represent North Carolina at the National Superintendent of the Year competition in Atlanta, which takes place from February 25-27, 2027.
Further reading
Find more updates on regional education leadership in the Administration section.
