Nathan Currie’s plans rely on lessons learned during past assignments as he takes on his new role as the assistant superintendent of administration for the Rowan-Salisbury School System.
“My prior experiences as a Rowan-Salisbury employee range from being a custodian to a principal, which has afforded me with a greater appreciation for the many roles necessary for maintaining a productive school system,” he said.
“As an administrator and parent of this school system, every decision will be driven as to how it will affect children.”
Currie, who has been principal at Isenberg Elementary since 2008, will fill the shoes of Dr. Walter Hart, who left the district at the end of October to become the superintendent of Hickory Public Schools.
Superintendent Dr. Judy Grissom said Currie’s primary focus as an administrator will be “working for our students.”
“His responsibilities will still be very much focused on what is best for students in areas that he has gained much experience by working as a principal, director, assistant principal and teacher,” she said.
As he prepares to take the reins Monday, Currie said he expects the biggest challenge to be encouraging more parent and student involvement as well as increasing community support.
“The business of educational reform and transformation is very challenging in itself,” he said, “and I firmly believe that it takes hard work and dedication in supporting and aiding the improvement of a school system’s culture, as well as realigning its academic focus.”
Currie said he’s hoping to help the district make progress in its bid for a consolidated central office to “provide a more effective and efficient operation.”
“I am also looking forward to working with and serving the students and greater community in this new role,” he said.
— By Sarah Campbell

Nathan Currie
Age: 33
Occupation:  Assistant superintendent of administration
Favorite book: “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale 
Most surprising song or artist in your music collection: Alvin and the Chipmunks
Who will you watch in 2012 and why?: Presidential and state candidates because the outcome of the election will play a major role in how our federal, state and local policies and procedures for education will be impacted.
Reaction to making the list: “I am honored and humbled to have made the list. However, I know I have not begun to even grace the surface of some of the many accomplishments of Rowan-Salisbury’s community leaders.”