ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — After 34 years serving in North Carolina public schools, Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Rob Jackson has announced his retirement, effective Aug. 31, 2026.
Jackson made the announcement at a Board of Education meeting on Thursday, June 4.
“The opportunity to serve as the superintendent of the school system I attended as a student – and where I would later begin my career as a teacher and administrator – has been an incredible privilege,” said Jackson, quoted in a BCS press release. “This is the school system my parents and my children attended, a school system that believes in every student, supports every educator and never stops striving to be better.”
Over the course of his career, Jackson accumulated accolades like the Wells Fargo North Carolina State Principal of the Year in 2011 and the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association Dr. Brad Sneeden Superintendent Leadership Award and the Dr. Sam Houston Leadership Award.
Jackson also guided the Buncombe County school district through Tropical Storm Helene, which he called “the worst of times” that “highlighted the very best of our school system.”
Jackson received gratitude from his peers for his years of service.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Jackson for his outstanding leadership and commitment to our students, staff and community. No matter the challenge, he has guided the school system with vision, integrity and a steadfast focus on student success,” said Board of Education Chair Rob Elliot in the BCS release. “Although we will miss his leadership, we celebrate a remarkable career dedicated to public education and wish him the very best in a well-earned retirement.”
The Board of Education stated that they will begin developing a leadership transition plan as Jackson heads into retirement.
Jackson left the position with a few more poignant words.
“While I am retiring from my role, my love for Buncombe County Schools will never retire,” Jackson said.
“I will forever be one of its proudest supporters, champions and advocates. I leave with complete confidence in the future of this school system because I know the quality of the people who serve here and the depth of their commitment to children. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, for your partnership and for allowing me the privilege of serving as Superintendent. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The climb has been meaningful, the journey has been extraordinary and the people have made all the difference.”
— Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Rob Jackson