After nearly six years as superintendent of Davie County Schools and thirty-two years in education, Jeff Wallace announced his retirement from public education. Selected by the Board of Education in 2019 for his educational expertise and commendable community service, Superintendent Wallace has had a lasting impact on youth and educators alike.
His time spent in education has seen Wallace take on a number of roles both in Yadkin and Davie County. Before taking on the position of Associate Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations of DCS, Wallace had already made a mark before entering the pool of 26 candidates applying for superintendent. His past service as part of the Davie Family YMCA Board, the Davie County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and as principal of Davie County High School from 2008–2012 showed the Board that he was their best candidate. He took office on May 15, 2019.
Under Superintendent Wallace’s leadership, Davie County rolled out a 1:1 computer initiative that is still in place today—a challenge carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this initiative, all students in Davie County Schools were issued Chromebooks to allow for remote learning when conditions would not otherwise allow for on-campus classes. Additionally, Wallace has overseen an increase in the county’s graduation rate, which now exceeds the state average at 88.1%. While Davie High School and the county as a whole still wish to see that rate increase to 90%, this progress has been a mark in favor of Wallace’s tenure.
Wallace’s announcement of his retirement drew many in the community to social media where they expressed both their sadness at his departure and gratitude for his years of service. Staff members, students, and Davie residents shared personal anecdotes and stories of his leadership in action, with over 500 reactions and nearly 200 comments on the official announcement from the county via Facebook.
“Jeff Wallace exemplified strong and courageous leadership for Davie County Schools during some very difficult times,” Lori Sluder Smith wrote. “I appreciate his leadership, his dedication to excellence, and desire to focus on students and staff.”
During his tenure as superintendent, Wallace has loved engaging with the youth he served and calling on them for feedback—something he demonstrated by visiting the “Student Ambassadors” at each middle school, bringing them in to give voice to the concerns of students.
Wallace’s open mind characterized his leadership for many, especially during COVID-19. Staff report that he ensured DCS considered all options during the pandemic, keeping students and their families safe. Not everyone enjoyed the A-Day–B-Day division or wearing masks to school every day, but Superintendent Wallace believes that he acted in everyone’s best interest.
“COVID-19 was the biggest challenge during my superintendent career. It was very hard to balance the safety of students and staff while providing quality instruction,” Wallace shared.
Despite facing struggles like these, Wallace worked through the harsh situation to build a brighter future.
In an official press release from Davie County Schools, Dub Potts, Board of Education chair, praised Superintendent Wallace’s dedication to his job and his community.
“Jeff has been a dedicated and loyal leader in Davie County Schools,” Potts wrote. “He always puts the needs of children and staff above all else.”
Wallace exercised these principles through student and faculty engagement. When reflecting on the best moments of his career, he expressed satisfaction with improving the graduation rate and serving as principal. Above these successes, though, Wallace cited how pleased he was with the time he spent building relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.
Wallace made the call to resign his position after 32 years in education out of a desire to “slow down a little,” spend more time with his wife and family, and take some time for leisure—specifically, the opportunity for “more fishing.”
Wallace’s service has not gone unnoticed in Davie County. He has implemented serious change during troubling times, in the process overseeing an increase in graduation rates and a successful navigation of the pandemic. For much of the community, Wallace’s dedication and forward-thinking approach has provided any future superintendent with a blueprint for success. He offers these words of wisdom to his successor: “Always make decisions based on what is best for students and learning. Be present, listen, listen, listen, and honestly care for the people you serve.”