Dr. Jim Merrill, formerly with WCPSS, steps in as Wayne Schools superintendent

Dr. Jim Merrill, former superintendent to Wake County Public Schools, has stepped in as acting superintendent for Wayne County Public Schools.

On Wednesday, Dr. Michael J. Dunsmore resigned from his position as superintendent of Wayne County Public Schools, according to the Wayne County Board of Education. Dunsmore held the position for almost five years.

Merrill, who was hired by WCPSS in 2013, will take over the Wayne County role from June 4 through June 26 and then become Interim Superintendent effective June 27.

During a specially-called Wayne County Board of Education meeting, Dunsmore said the Wayne school district has a deficit of -$4,888,647 and will need assistance from the county to cover the cost of local supplements in June.

"Dr. Merrill is a state and nationally recognized education leader who has a proven track record of bringing stability to school districts in difficult times," read a statement from Wayne Schools.

Merrill retired from WCPSS in early 2018, and Cathy Moore stepped in as Wake County School's first female superintendent in May.