2 days ago
Moore Schools' Locklair named regional superintendent of the year
CARTHAGE — Moore County Schools Superintendent Tim Locklair was named the 2025-2026 Regional Superintendent of the Year for the Sandhills Region (Region 4).
Locklair is now a finalist for the prestigious A. Craig Phillips State Superintendent of the Year Award, joining seven other regional representatives in the state-level competition.
"This award is a testament to the collective effort of all who are committed to ensuring the success and well-being of every student," Locklair said in a release.
"I look forward to continuing our work together to create even greater opportunities for our students and our community.'
Each year, superintendents from the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium select from among its 13 leaders a superintendent who has demonstrated exemplary leadership to serve as its Regional Superintendent of the Year. This person then competes for the title of State Superintendent of the Year.
'Locklair is considered a Leader among Leaders and he has the highest respect among his peers in the Sandhills and colleagues across this state," said Ron Hargrave, executive director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium.
Under his leadership, Moore County Schools has promoted the diverse public school choices available through its 'MCS Choices' campaign. These choices include in-person, virtual and Blend+Ed options (a partnership with homeschool families) designed to meet every student's needs.
The district now ranks in the top 10 of North Carolina's 115 districts for both Grade Level Proficiency and Career and Technical Education credential attainment.
Locklair has 30 years of experience in public education.
A Moore County native, he moved to the area at age 11 and graduated from Pinecrest High School. After earning a bachelor of science in education from Western Carolina University, he began his career as a social studies teacher, football and baseball coach, and was later an assistant principal at Pinecrest High School.
Locklair has held various leadership roles, including principal of West Middle School in Montgomery County, as well as Apex Middle School and Holly Springs High School in Wake County. He also served as Area Superintendent for Western Wake County in Wake County Public Schools, where he oversaw 26 schools and more than 2,000 employees.
He rejoined Moore County Schools in 2016 as the chief officer for Academic and Student Support Services, managing several departments, including curriculum, student services, and school improvement.
MCS will launch its 24th school, Moore Innovative High School, in the fall with its inaugural class of 70 students.
This project, funded by a $25 million appropriation from the North Carolina state budget, will provide students with the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree, meeting local workforce needs and preparing students for high-demand jobs in industries like advanced manufacturing, health care, and more.
