Johnston County Board of Education Appoints Dr. David Pearce as Next Superintendent

During a Special Session Personnel Meeting held on June 17, 2025, the Johnston County Board of Education voted to appoint Dr. David Pearce as Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools. His appointment will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Dr. Pearce brings a strong background in educational leadership and a deep commitment to student achievement, staff development, and community engagement. Dr. Pearce has served as an educator for 23 years in many capacities, including Area Assistant Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Auxiliary Services, and Assistant Superintendent for Johnston County Public Schools. His previous roles as a teacher, coach, and school-based administrator, coupled with the aforementioned central office roles, will provide valuable experience in the new role. 

“Dr. Pearce is a product of Johnston County Public Schools and has more recently displayed strong leadership skills, exceptional problem-solving skills, and demonstrated a future-focused approach to the current situations facing public schools,” stated Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews. “He has a clear understanding of the needs of our students and staff, and the demands placed on our public schools.” 

Throughout his career, Dr. Pearce has exemplified exceptional leadership and has been recognized within the district and abroad, garnering him the recognition as recipient of the Johnston County Public Schools Leading with the Heart Award, Outstanding Principal by The North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NCAAHPERD), Outstanding Administrator for the Autism Society of North Carolina, Johnston County Principal of the Year, and Benson Educator of the Year. 

“It is a true honor to serve the community that has given me so much. This school district and community have been my foundation since kindergarten. It shaped who I am and gave me the tools to pursue the career I love,” noted Dr. Pearce. “Now, I’m proud to give back. I am committed to being approachable, open, and transparent with our staff, students, families, and the entire community.”

Having been intimately involved in district-wide strategic planning, particularly since the pandemic, Dr. Pearce is excited to continue the legacy of educational excellence in Johnston County Public Schools. “We’ve made tremendous strides in academic achievement, and I am dedicated to keeping that momentum strong. This effort will require that all of us continue pulling in the same direction,” added Dr. Pearce. 

Dr. Pearce’s vision for achieving academic excellence is simple: intentional focus on students and providing each student with the best educational environment possible. “We will have to focus 100% on our students and not let anything distract us from ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education,” inserted Dr. Pearce. “Together, we will listen, collaborate, and create lasting solutions that empower every student to thrive.”  

During the meeting, the Board expressed its confidence in Dr. Pearce’s ability to continue advancing the district’s goals and building upon its record of academic excellence. Additionally, Dr. Pearce’s significant impact in many aspects of the district - including helping students, staff, parents, central office, and board members with everything from safety initiatives, human resources, policy development, student discipline, transportation, child nutrition, reassignments, construction projects, facilities, maintenance, athletics, and staff professional development - has been commendable.

“Dr. Pearce is knowledgeable in all aspects of our school district, including personnel, financial responsibilities, and data-driven decision making, and this is why we feel confident in his ability to lead this district,” stated Chair Andrews. “Dr. Pearce understands that this Board expects our district to keep moving forward and upward in all aspects of the school system.”

The Johnston County Board of Education looks forward to working with Dr. Pearce in this new leadership role and welcomes him as the next superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools.