Superintendent Dr. Monique Felder to part ways with Orange County Schools
Orange County Schools Superintendent Dr. Monique Felder announced Friday she and the district will part ways next week.
Felder will leave the district on Wednesday after leading it for nearly four school years. She began her tenure on Nov. 1, 2019.
“As the district moves into the next chapter, my hope is that the core values that we created together as a learning community will continue to hold true,” Felder wrote in a letter posted to the district’s website. “Most importantly, that we continue to value diversity and put children first.
"Every student in our district deserves to feel welcome, appreciated, valued, seen, and heard for exactly who they are so they can reach their maximum potential. I want those values to shine as a beacon for everyone in Orange County, regardless of their background or beliefs."
On Friday, the Orange County Board of Education named Dr. Jim Merrill would serve as the interim superintendent. Merrill previously served as the superintendent for the Wake County Public School System from August 2013 to February 2018. He also served as the acting superintendent for Wayne County Public Schools in June 2020.
“I count it an honor to be asked to join Orange County Schools in opening the 2023-2024 school year,” Merrill said in a news release. “Orange County’s commitment to academic progress for all students is well known in North Carolina. I look forward to collaborating with teachers, support staff, school and district leadership, parents, and community advocates as we help our young people learn and grow.”
Merrill also previously served as the superintendent for the Alamance-Burlington School System and Virginia Beach (Va.) City Schools.
The Orange County Board of Education is expected to establish a timeline to launch a search for the next superintendent.
The board thanked Felder for her service.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had over the past four school years to serve you, and I am so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together,” Felder wrote.
