New Wake superintendent will 'dedicate' herself to taking care of students

Cathy Moore is the county's first female and Latina school superintendent, and during her visit to Fuller Elementary on Thursday, a little boy asked her about it.

"I recognize that it is a milestone, it's noteworthy, it's important," said Moore when a child politely remarked on her being the first woman to hold the position in Wake County. "But what's more important is that whoever is in this seat dedicates themselves immediately and fully to taking care of you guys everyday."

Moore is jumping right into work, attending four graduations on Thursday in addition to touring the elementary school.

Moore, who moved to the United States with her family at the age of two, has spent almost all of her 30-year public education career teaching Wake County students.

She started career as a teacher in the Nash-Rocky Mount Public School System before working as an assistant principal at Apex and Enloe Magnet high schools. She also served as principal of Sanderson High School from 2000 to 2008 before serving as an area superintendent for the central region of Wake County.

"I am the first in my family to go to college," Moore told students on Thursday. "My mom came here with her children for the American Dream, and I feel like I have the opportunity to achieve that [in this position]."

Moore will be taking over the job from Dr. Del Burns, who stepped into the role as interim superintendent earlier this year. Burns, who was superintendent from 2006 to 2010, said he had no desire to return to the job permanently.

Board members say having a new superintendent comes at a crucial time.

"It's hard to explain just how thankful I am to lead this district because I know it's one of the best school district in America," she said.