PRESS RELEASE
Wilkes County Board of Education
July 1, 2026
The Wilkes County Board of Education announces the election of Dr. Westley Wood as Superintendent of the Wilkes County Schools effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Wood has served as Interim Superintendent since February, 2026. His term as Superintendent extends through June 30, 2029.
Dr. Wood graduated from North Wilkes High School and received his undergraduate degree and master’s degree from Appalachian State University. He earned his doctorate degree from Gardner-Webb University. In addition to his position of Interim Superintendent, Dr. Wood has served the Wilkes County Schools as a classroom teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, Executive Director of Financial Services, Director of Student Services, Executive Director of Human Resources and Personnel, and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Personnel. He also has served as an adjunct instructor at Wilkes Community College and is currently a member of the Appalachian State University Public School Partnership Advisory Board.
Dr. Wood is a completer of the North Carolina School Superintendents Association Aspiring Superintendent program. He was one of 30 statewide participants chosen to complete the North Carolina School Superintendents Association Executive Leadership Program.
Dr. Wood is very active in community activities. He is serving or has served many Wilkes County organizations including the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, the Wilkes Educational Foundation, Wilkes United Way, Wilkes Crime Stoppers, Wilkes Child Advocacy Multi-Disciplinary Team, Wilkes Department of Social Services Community Child Protection Team, Wilkes Healthy Carolinians Counsel Mental Health Task Force, Wilkes Medical Advisory Board, Wilkes Hall of Fame, Bundy Scholarship Committee, and Wilkes Dental Clinic.
Dr. Wood has been active in regional and statewide organizations. Such organizations include Personnel Administrators of North Carolina, Northwest North Carolina Personnel Administrators, Gardner-Webb University Educational Collaborative Advisory Board, and the North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Advisory Board. Dr. Wood served five years on the North Carolina Professional Educators Preparation and Standards Commission, where he was appointed by former North Carolina Speaker of the House, Tim Moore.
Dr. Wood attends Celebration Church of North Wilkesboro, where he serves on the personnel committee, baptism team, and first impressions team.
In expressing his educational philosophy and desire to serve as Superintendent of the Wilkes County Schools, Dr. Wood has stated, “Having attended school in this district, I understand firsthand the traditions, values, and pride that make our schools special. I know the profound impact that educators, mentors, and community members can have on students’ lives because I experienced it myself. That perspective has instilled in me a deep appreciation for our district’s history and an unwavering commitment to honoring its legacy while helping shape a strong and successful future.”
“My desire to serve this district is also rooted in my commitment to the community in which I live. This is more than the place where I work; it is home. I care deeply about the success of our students because they are our future neighbors, workforce, leaders, and citizens. I believe effective leadership begins with relationships, trust, and visibility, and I am committed to being a superintendent who listens, collaborates, and works alongside families, staff, community partners, and elected leaders to ensure every student has access to meaningful opportunities and support.”
“As superintendent, I will be dedicated to equipping our school district for success not only today, but for years to come. This means maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence, supporting and developing exceptional school leaders, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, and building systems that prepare students for an ever-changing future. I believe our responsibility is to preserve what is best about our schools while continuously improving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s learners.”
Dr. Wood has been married to his wife Mellisa for 27 years. Dr. and Mrs. Wood have two adult children, Madison Miller of Mooresville, NC, and Morgan Wood of Millers Creek, NC.
The Wilkes County Board of Education is proud to present Dr. Westley Wood as Superintendent of the Wilkes County Schools. Dr. Wood has the training, experience, and commitments necessary to continue the tradition of excellence and effective leadership of the Wilkes County Schools.