RCS Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sonja Parks Announces Intention To Retire
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Rockingham County Schools Press Release • May 6, 2022 • A. Powell
(Rockingham County, NC) – Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Logistics Dr. Sonja Parks has announced her intention to retire on September 1 after dedicating over 32 years to Rockingham and Davidson County Public
Schools.
Parks is making her retirement announcement early to give the Rockingham County Board of Public Education and incoming superintendent ample time to prepare for her departure, and to assist her successor in a smooth transition.
“I love this school system, and it has been my honor to serve the students, teachers, staff and parents who work so diligently to make RCS a success,” said Parks. “I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to serve in Rockingham County Public Schools with colleagues who are like family.” I would like to thank the Rockingham County Board of Education for the trust they placed by hiring me and allowing me to lead Rockingham County Schools. I could not be more proud of what we have accomplished over the past 8 years.”
Prior to her role as Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Logistics in Rockingham County Schools, she served as the Director of Elementary Education/Title I/AIG for Davidson County Schools. She has also previously served as a K-12 Beginning Teacher Coordinator, administrator, and elementary teacher for Davidson County Schools. She has a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from High Point University, Master’s Degree in school administration from UNC-Charlotte, and a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University.
“Dr. Parks has been a huge asset to Rockingham County Schools during her 8 year tenure. Her strong leadership within the operations and logistics brought RCS through the toughest times with a global pandemic, and several years of tight budgetary constraints.” said Superintendent Rodney Shotwell.
“Dr. Parks’ prior curriculum background helped to ensure our technology infrastructure, child nutrition, transport a1on, maintenance, long-range planning, and capital improvements were based on what is best for our students. She has spent her career giving all she had for what is best for students, first and foremost. Education in North Carolina is stronger and richer with Dr. Parks’ lifetime dedication to our students and staff. Rockingham County Schools is indebted to her for all her 1me and energy to make a difference one day at a time.
Parks has spent her time as Assistant Superintendent supporting educators and the students they serve in Rockingham County through her leadership on the N.C. Association of Supervisors of Curriculum & Instruction (ACSD) Board. Parks also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Appalachian State University and will continue to work with the doctoral program to prepare educators for district leadership.
In September Parks will have the opportunity to help launch a new educational service organization to serve districts across the state. Dr. Parks will be the Director of District Support for NC Peak Education. NC Peak exists to support schools and districts in their commitment to continuous improvement as they seek excellence in teaching, leading, and learning. NC Peak leverages the expertise of a network of veteran North Carolina educators to provide feedback to schools and districts as part of the school improvement process. “I look forward to providing feedback and
mentorship to schools and districts to help elevate learning and leadership.”
Dr. Parks will also continue her work with other women in educational leadership through national meetings and events with WE LEAD (Women in Educational Leadership). Her experiences in auxiliary services have given Dr. Parks the unique opportunity to develop the leadership skills of other female leaders across North Carolina and the country, and she will con1nue to have opportunities to speak, train and coach other women in the field of education. “Dr. Parks has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of how auxiliary services directly contribute to the successful education of children and to the support of classroom teachers and school administrators. Her experience will help other female leaders gain confidence and skills as they grow as school and district leaders,” said WE LEAD
founder and owner, Dr. Lillie Cox.
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