LEXINGTON - Lexington City Schools Superintendent Dr. Anitra Wells announced on Tuesday she will be leaving her position at the end of the school year.

Wells has served as superintendent since 2018 after replacing former superintendent Rick Kriesky. Her last day will be June 30, which is one year earlier to her contract which was originally through June 2024.

Representatives with the Lexington City School District said Wells announced her resignation early to ensure adequate time to implement a thorough search for her replacement. She has also agreed to be available for a “transition period” up to 90 days after her last day to consult or assist in the transition of new leadership.

“Since my arrival five years ago, I have witnessed first-hand the transformation of school facilities into safer, more esthetically pleasing and healthier environment,” said Wells. “Teachers who have gone above and beyond in ensuring that they are more technologically and professionally prepared for improving student learning; students who have proven to be resilient learners in a time of COVID and unrest in our world; one of the most amazing administrative and central office teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with; and a community that has been welcoming and supportive of the work being done in our schools.”

Wells has 37 years of service in public education previously serving as superintendent for Weldon City Schools; regional executive director for Guilford County Schools and human resource coordinator and assistant principal in the Norfolk Public School System in Virginia.

According to information provided by the school system, since Wells has been in Lexington, the district increased schools meeting growth from 20% to 80% after her first year and the district was awarded a $670,000 state Teacher Compensation Model and Advanced Teaching Roles Grant;

Also during her tenure, the district budget was overhauled to reduce use of Fund Balance to balance budget. In addition, the district’s fund balance improved by approximately $1.4 million.

The district implemented a $3.7 million dollar energy savings facility improvement initiative with Schneider Electric; implemented a 1:1 Personalized Learning Initiative in all schools; implemented a Global Academy at Southwest ES Global Academy; increased dual enrollment opportunities for high school students and the number of high school credit bearing courses for middle school students and implemented an Innovations Lab and Career Exploration Labs for middle school students.

Under Wells direction, the district received the NC Research Triangle CleanTech Cluster Innovation Award (2022); and created and implemented a Jacket Parent Academy to improve parent and community engagement.

"We appreciate Dr. Wells’ leadership during what has been the most challenging period in public education during most of our lifetimes. We wish her well as we prepare for the next chapter for Lexington City Schools,” said Darrick Horton, chairman of the Lexington City Schools Board of Education.

According to information provided by the school district, the Lexington City School Board will begin the process of selecting a new superintendent as soon as possible.

This article originally appeared on The Dispatch: Lexington City Schools Superintendent announces resignation