Watauga County Schools Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander has been named a finalist for the inaugural North Carolina CTE Superintendent of the Year award, according to a recent notification from the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT). Alexander's selection as the Northwest regional finalist was announced during the WCS Board of Education meeting on October 13, 2026, where she received a surprise recognition.
The North Carolina Center Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE) established and sponsors this award to honor superintendents whose leadership significantly impacts Career and Technical Education (CTE). Nominees were evaluated based on their support for high-quality CTE programs, demonstrated innovation, leadership in expanding opportunities for students, and efforts to strengthen CTE partnerships.
Dr. Alexander's nomination highlighted her continuous support for the RISE Caldwell-Watauga program. This collaborative initiative brings together Watauga and Caldwell County Schools, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI), economic development organizations, and various employers to expand work-based learning opportunities for local students.
Under her leadership, Watauga County Schools, in partnership with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, hosted the inaugural Trades Day in April 2026. This event celebrated students who had earned or were pursuing industry credentials across eleven CTE concentrations. Trades Day served as a platform to showcase CTE student achievements, bringing together families, educators, employers, CCC&TI, and Appalachian State University, while also connecting students with regional career opportunities.
As superintendent, Alexander has been instrumental in fostering a regional talent pipeline. She has successfully convened educators, postsecondary institutions, businesses, industry leaders, economic development organizations, and employers. These efforts have positioned Watauga County Schools not only as an educator of students but also as a crucial partner in developing the High Country’s future workforce.
Dr. Tierra Stark, Director of Accountability, Federal Programs, Career and Technical Education, and School Safety for WCS, elaborated on Alexander's impact on the district's CTE programs. Stark noted that Dr. Alexander leads with CTE as a priority, promoting the program "not as an alternative path, but rather as a distinctive path to both college and career readiness.” Stark further explained that Alexander's leadership has helped to establish CTE as a dynamic workforce-development strategy that benefits students and directly addresses the needs of the High Country economy.
All eight regional finalists, including Dr. Alexander, are scheduled to be recognized at the NCCAT 2027 NC CTE Teacher of the Year Recognition Event. This event will take place on October 29 in Concord, NC. The recipient of the inaugural North Carolina CTE Superintendent of the Year award will be announced during the NCSSA Winter Conference in December.
