Yancey County Schools is honored to announce that Mrs. Kathy Amos has been selected as the Regional Superintendent of the Year by the Western Region Education Service Alliance (WRESA). This esteemed recognition distinguishes Mrs. Amos as a finalist for the prestigious North Carolina Superintendent of the Year award, which celebrates outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the advancement of public education throughout the state.
“Kathy Amos was chosen by her peers in Region 8 for the Western Region Superintendent of the Year and will represent Region 8 in the statewide competition for NC State Superintendent of the Year,” stated Jan Webster, Director of WRESA. “Her unwavering commitment to students and the broader community, especially during this challenging year, along with her ability to foster relationships across sectors, has brought numerous opportunities to Yancey County Schools. It’s hard to imagine a more deserving candidate for Superintendent of the Year than Kathy Amos.”
Since assuming leadership, Mrs. Amos has been a dedicated advocate for the expansion and enhancement of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education within Yancey County Schools. She has strategically prioritized exposing students to a diverse array of career pathways early in their academic journey, positioning them for future success in a rapidly evolving workforce. Under her visionary guidance, the district has implemented a number of innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives. Notably, YCS introduced Project Lead The Way programs at the middle school level, fostering hands-on STEM learning experiences. The district has also pioneered a Heavy Equipment program at Mountain Heritage High School—the first high school in North Carolina to offer on-campus heavy equipment simulators—alongside the development of unique pathways such as Animal Science, an extensive expansion of the Advanced Carpentry program, and the launch of an Aviation program set to begin this fall.
These efforts have resulted in Yancey County Schools achieving the highest CTE Credential Attainment rate in the state for two consecutive years, underscoring the district’s commitment to equipping students with valuable technical skills and industry-recognized credentials. Furthermore, Mountain Heritage High School has significantly broadened its academic offerings, increasing access to Honors and Advanced Placement courses as well as advanced learning opportunities through partnerships with the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.
Mrs. Amos’s tenure has also been marked by resilience and proactive leadership in the face of significant challenges. Navigating the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating destruction of Hurricane Helene, she has demonstrated unwavering determination and foresight. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in securing nearly $60 million in grant funding since 2020, enabling substantial improvements in educational resources and infrastructure. These investments have facilitated comprehensive renovations of all elementary and middle school facilities in Yancey County, ensuring students learn in safe, modern, and inviting environments designed to support educational excellence for years to come.
In addition to her operational successes, Mrs. Amos has championed a culture of transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity throughout the district. She established the Teacher Leaders Forum, a monthly convening of the Teacher of the Year recipients from each school, providing a structured platform for educators to voice concerns, exchange ideas, and contribute to district-wide decision-making. Complementing this initiative, Mrs. Amos makes regular visits to schools, engaging directly with students and staff to foster a strong sense of community and shared purpose. This hands-on leadership approach has transformed the district’s culture, contributing to Yancey County Schools maintaining the lowest teacher attrition rate in North Carolina for the second consecutive year—a testament to the positive working environment cultivated under her guidance.
“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Amos and her outstanding dedication to the success of our students and educators,” said School Board Chairman Edwin Fortner. “Her innovative leadership continues to elevate our district and inspire the entire community.”
Mrs. Kathy Amos’s exemplary leadership, innovative programming, and steadfast dedication to student success continue to elevate Yancey County Schools as a model district within the region and across the state. Her recognition as Regional Superintendent of the Year is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her impactful contributions and ongoing commitment to educational excellence.
