The Buncombe County Board of Education has appointed Dr. Jennifer Reed as superintendent of Buncombe County Schools, following a four-month search process.
Dr. Reed, who has served as interim superintendent since Sept. 1 following the retirement of Dr. Rob Jackson, was sworn into office this evening by Judge Robin L. Merrell during a special-called Board of Education meeting.
A lifelong Buncombe County resident and graduate of Enka High School, Dr. Reed has spent her career serving students and educators across Western North Carolina. She becomes the 23rd superintendent of Buncombe County Schools and the second woman to hold the position. Ethel Terrell, who served Buncombe County Schools from 1919-1921, was the first female superintendent in North Carolina and, like Reed, was a “homegrown,” experienced and respected educator.
“This is more than a school system to me, it is home,” Dr. Reed said. “I have spent my entire life learning, growing and leading in this community, and I know firsthand the extraordinary people who make BCS special.”
The Board began its superintendent search in June with feedback from employees, students, families and community members. Approximately 830 BCS employees and 650 community stakeholders participated in the process. The Board then conducted a regional search before holding two rounds of interviews with candidates.
“Dr. Jennifer Reed clearly emerged from a pool of strong candidates from across North Carolina and multiple states as precisely the leader we sought,” Board Chair Rob Elliot said. “She has a strong track record of developing important relationships with community partners who support students, families and teachers, along with a deep understanding of the needs of our students and educators.”
Dr. Reed’s career with Buncombe County Schools includes serving as an assistant principal and instructional coach, principal of Fairview Elementary School from 2012-17, director of elementary and intermediate education from 2017-22, and associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction.
She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Hominy Valley Elementary after earning her undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. She later earned a master’s degree in elementary education and principal licensure from Western Carolina University and completed her doctorate in educational leadership at WCU in 2023.
Dr. Reed was recognized with the Dr. Samuel Houston Leadership Award after completing the 2023 North Carolina School Superintendents Association Aspiring Superintendent program. In 2024, she was named the Asheville Chamber’s Woman Executive of the Year.
“I step into this role with tremendous gratitude for what has been built and an equally strong commitment to what comes next,” Dr. Reed said. “Our students deserve a school system that is ambitious about their future, intentional about how we use our resources and relentless in ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
Dr. Reed’s contract runs through June 30, 2030.
As superintendent, Dr. Reed will lead BCS as the district continues its work under the 2026-27 theme, “New Heights.”
“I am ready to lead with courage, clarity and compassion and to work alongside our educators, families, Board and community to make BCS even stronger, to reach ‘New Heights,’” Dr. Reed said.