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Dr. Jesse J. Pratt, Superintendent
Dr. Jesse J. Pratt was named Superintendent of Hertford County Public School in November 2022 and started on January 3, 2023. Dr. Pratt has enjoyed a long and successful public education career, spanning nearly thirty years in North Carolina and Indiana.
Dr. Pratt served as the deputy superintendent of schools and deputy superintendent of operations for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS), where he also worked as an area superintendent (2019-2021) and, earlier in his career, an assistant principal (2001-2003). Over the last three years, Dr. Pratt has played a pivotal role in helping WS/FCS significantly reduce its dropout rate and improving academic outcomes for all students.
Before joining WS/FCS, Dr. Pratt spent two years as the assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and student services for the Thomasville City Schools. In addition, he previously served as a regional superintendent for the Indianapolis Public Schools (2015-2018) and a principal for the Guilford County Schools (GCS) (2003-2015). Dr. Pratt began his career in 1995 as a GCS teacher, teaching social studies and language arts to middle school students for six years.
Dr. Pratt has an impressive academic background as well. He received his bachelor’s degree in middle school education from Appalachian State University (ASU). He went on to earn a master’s degree in school administration and an educational specialist’s degree from ASU, as well as a doctorate in educational leadership from High Point University.
Dr. Pratt is grateful for the opportunity to lead the district and looks forward to becoming part of the community. Dr. Pratt said, “I am excited about the opportunity to join the Hertford County family. I want to thank the Board of Education for giving me this extraordinary opportunity to work with and for the students, staff, and community members of Hertford County to improve the academic and social outcomes.”
