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Davie County Schools honors Superintendent Jeff Wallace ahead of May 1 retirement
Summary
Board members, staff and community speakers praised Superintendent Jeff Wallace’s 32 years in education at the April 1 Davie County Board of Education meeting, highlighting school stability, a new high school, technology and safety initiatives. Wallace reflected on his life and career and confirmed his retirement effective May 1, 2025.
At the April 1 Davie County Board of Education meeting, speakers from across the district paid tribute to Superintendent Jeff Wallace as he prepares to retire May 1, 2025.
The evening’s remarks — from current and former board members, school administrators, teachers, a student and outside educators — emphasized Wallace’s role in stabilizing Davie High School, overseeing construction of a new high school and launching the district’s 1-to-1 technology initiative.
Jenda Haines, who spoke early in the public recognition segment, said Wallace’s accomplishments include “stabilizing Davie High School after constant turnover in principals,” helping to plan and open a new high school, navigating the COVID closure and “launching the 1 to 1 technology.” She added, “What truly sets you apart is the way that you lead. With high expectations yes. But always with heart.”
Anthony Davis, superintendent of Yadkin County Schools and a longtime colleague, described Wallace as a mentor who “has a knack of finding things in people that they don't find in themselves” and credited Wallace’s mentorship with his own career path.
Former school board chair Clint Junker recalled Wallace’s relationship with students and staff, saying the superintendent built “love, support and challenge” and that Wallace showed leadership during the COVID pandemic when “there [was] no script.” Former board member Laurie Smith and Karen Stevens, identified as a principal, also praised Wallace’s hands-on leadership and commitment to students.
Teacher Donna Dunn spoke about Wallace’s time as principal at Davie County High School and credited him with building campus culture and daily classroom engagement: “One of the first things I noticed about Mr. Wallace … he set about learning the names of all of the troubled students on campus. And every morning, you would see him walk up to students, call them by name, shake their hands, and have a conversation.”
A student, Jackson O’Brien of South Davie Middle School, thanked Wallace for a personal act of kindness: “Mister Wallace brought [me] some fish mounds and wouldn't accept any money. He told me he loves seeing kids involved in fishing.”
Wallace delivered remarks about his background, public education and family. He reviewed his personal history of economic hardship, receiving free and reduced lunch as a student, and credited teachers and coaches with changing his life trajectory. He recounted health challenges affecting his family and emphasized the importance of educators seeing potential in students: “If I look at 6,000 children and see 6,000 opportunities ... that makes a big difference.”
During the meeting the board presented a commemorative plaque and a video tribute; members of Wallace’s family were introduced in the chamber. Board chair Jerry Potts (identified in meeting materials and remarks) and others said the board will continue work through Wallace’s final weeks, and the board later appointed an interim superintendent (see separate item).
