McNeal Named N.C.'s Nominee For National Superintendent Of Year

McNeal was named the

North Carolina Association of School Administrators'

2004 Superintendent of the Year in October. Tuesday, he became North Carolina's only nominee for the national honor, coordinated by the

American Association of School Administrators.

"NCASA selected Bill McNeal as our national nominee and state winner because of the leadership he has provided in a large, urban school district," said Katherine W. Joyce, NCASA interim executive director. "Bill has worked to promote academic growth and respect for diversity, while managing issues related to rapid growth and building community support.

"These leadership qualities personify the National Superintendent of the Year and make Bill the ideal candidate to win that award."

A 29-year veteran educator, McNeal has spent his entire educational career with the Wake County Public School System. During that time, he served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and associate superintendent. He was named superintendent of Wake County Public Schools in 2000.

McNeal holds bachelor's and master's degrees from North Carolina Central University. He is in doctoral studies at North Carolina State University.

"I am surprised and thrilled to be given this additional honor," McNeal said. "However, in reality, this is a recognition of the outstanding work that our students, teachers and staff are doing every day in classrooms across Wake County.

"I am thankful for their effort and constant support. To be recognized by one's peers across the state is indeed an honor; to be considered on a national level is a highlight of my career."

McNeal and the other finalists will go to Washington, D.C., in early January for two days with the judging committee and others who will make the choice for this honor.

The 2004 Superintendent of the Year will be presented at the AASA Conference in February in San Francisco.