Carthage, N.C. – Moore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair has been named the 2025-2026 Regional Superintendent of the Year for the Sandhills Region (Region 4). Dr. Locklair is now a finalist for the prestigious A. Craig Phillips State Superintendent of the Year Award, joining seven other regional representatives in the state-level competition.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to represent the Sandhills Region as the 2025-2026 Regional Superintendent of the Year,” said Dr. Locklair. “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible work being done by our dedicated teachers, staff, and students at Moore County Schools. I am proud to serve such an outstanding community, and this award is a testament to the collective effort of all who are committed to ensuring the success and well-being of every student. I look forward to continuing our work together to create even greater opportunities for our students and our community.”
Each year, superintendents from the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium select from among its 13 leaders a superintendent who has demonstrated exemplary leadership to serve as its Regional Superintendent of the Year. This individual then competes for the title of State Superintendent of the Year.
“It is with great pleasure and a great deal of pride that we announce Dr. Tim Locklair to represent the Sandhills Region as the 2025-2026 Regional Superintendent of the Year. Locklair is considered a Leader among Leaders and he has the highest respect among his peers in the Sandhills and colleagues across this state,” said Dr. Ron Hargrave, Executive Director of the Sandhills Regional Education Consortium.
Since becoming Superintendent of Moore County Schools in 2022, Dr. Locklair has worked diligently to implement the “MCS Way” – a collaborative, teamwork-driven approach aimed at developing exceptional leaders who focus on supporting every student’s success. Under his leadership, Moore County Schools has promoted the diverse public school choices available through its “MCS Choices” campaign. These choices include in-person, virtual, and Blend+Ed options (a partnership with homeschool families) designed to meet every student's needs. The district now ranks in the top 10 of North Carolina’s 115 districts for both Grade Level Proficiency and Career and Technical Education (CTE) credential attainment.
Dr. Locklair has 30 years of experience in public education. A Moore County native, he moved to the area at age 11 and graduated from Pinecrest High School. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Carolina University, he began his career as a social studies teacher, football and baseball coach, and assistant principal at Pinecrest High School.
Dr. Locklair has held various leadership roles, including principal of West Middle School in Montgomery County, as well as Apex Middle School and Holly Springs High School in Wake County. He also served as Area Superintendent for Western Wake County in Wake County Public Schools, where he oversaw 26 schools and more than 2,000 employees.
He rejoined Moore County Schools in 2016 as the Chief Officer for Academic and Student Support Services, managing several departments, including curriculum, student services, and school improvement. Dr. Locklair became Superintendent of Moore County Schools on July 1, 2022. He holds both a Master of School Administration and a Doctorate in Education from East Carolina University.
MCS Board of Education Chair Dr. Robin Calcutt shared, “We are incredibly proud of Dr. Tim Locklair as he is recognized for his leadership as an outstanding superintendent in North Carolina. A Moore County native and graduate of Pinecrest High School, Dr. Locklair embodies and leads the “Moore County Schools Way” which is a strategic culture driven by making decisions and implementing strategies focused on what is best for our students. His dedication is evident in the time he spends working with the Board of Education, teachers and staff, cheering on the students, and getting involved in the community. Moore County Schools is recognized as a top 10 school district in North Carolina because of the work of Dr. Locklair and the entire team who serve the students of Moore County. We are so thankful for Dr. Tim Locklair. Congratulations!”
Moore County Schools continues to thrive under Dr. Locklair’s leadership, advancing its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students while ensuring the district remains a model for academic achievement, student well-being, and community engagement.
Highlights from Locklair’s tenure as MCS Superintendent:
MCS improved to a Top 10 ranking out of 115 NC school districts in Grade Level Proficiency.
MCS improved its Career and Technical Education programs, resulting in placing in the Top 10 programs in the state for attainment of career credentials.
MCS students made gains in the 2023-2024 school year, with 77% of schools meeting or exceeding growth.
MCS will launch its 24th school, Moore Innovative High School, in Fall 2025, with its inaugural class of 70 students. This project, funded by a $25 million appropriation from the North Carolina state budget, will provide students with the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate's degree, meeting local workforce needs and preparing students for high-demand jobs in industries like advanced manufacturing, health care, and more.
