Dr. David Sutton named school superintendent

Dr. David Sutton at Monday's special meeting of the Rutherford County Board of Education.

Dr. David Sutton is the new superintendent of Rutherford County Schools (RCS). The Board of Education meeting in special session Monday unanimously voted to name Sutton as the replacement for retiring superintendent Dr. Janet Mason.

Sutton, the assistant superintendent for the RCS since July 2013, told an audience of family, friends, administrators and staff gathered for the meeting at Cool Springs Administrative Offices, the new job position is the "highlight of his career."

He said as a high school student years ago he realized an "education opens up landscapes of opportunities" and he will work to continue to bring the same opportunities to all students in the Rutherford County Schools.

He said he is committed to working "tirelessly and aggressively" in his new role to help provide a world class education for all students. "It is within every students' reach," he said.

Sutton also told the board he was "energized and optimistic" to meet the challenges facing education "today and tomorrow" and added he would never comprise to serve the students of Rutherford County first and foremost.

Before coming to the RCS, Sutton was executive director of Transylvania Schools for one year, was director of Human Services for Transylvania Schools from May 2003 until July 2012. He held other positions with Transylvania Schools including being a teacher, assistant principal and director of human resources.

Sutton received his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and his Master of School Administration from Western Carolina University.

School Board chair Sherry Bright told the audience the board felt there was no reason to reach outside the county in its search for its new superintendent.

"We are grateful you chose to say here," she told Sutton.

Board member Dr. John Mark Bennett said Sutton "had the keenest intellect" he had ever seen and he appreciated Sutton's passion for Rutherford County Schools.

Mason also congratulated Sutton and said Rutherford County Schools will continue to move forward as she "pledged" her support to Sutton and Rutherford County Schools.

At the announcement of her retirement last month, Mason said she would likely work with Mr. Sutton until August 31 after which time she becomes Forest City's Town Manager replacing John Condrey, who retired at the end of June.