Edgecombe County picks new school superintendent

The Edgecombe County Board of Education has selected a new superintendent for the county's public school system, officials announced Saturday.

Dr. Wayne M. Talley will take the helm in August or September, depending on when his duties as an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in Avery County end.

Talley replaces interim Superintendent Mazingo, who had come out retirement to handle the transition. Former Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon resigned in mid-March to take a position in Alabama.

Talley was selected from among 18 finalists after months of meetings. Officials said that Talley has expressed a firm commitment to character development, the use of technology in the classroom and preparing students for the future.

Talley has worked as a teacher, football coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal. He is also the author of a book on character education and its influence on student performance and behavior.

He holds a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida and has North Carolina Superintendent Certificate. He is a member of both the N.C. Association of School Administrators and the Principal-Assistant Principal Association.

Talley has two daughters, Daisy and Nikki, and a son, Woody. He and his wife Nancy have been married for five years.