The staff and students of Clinton City Schools have been a part of Dr. Stuart Blount’s life for the last six years, and Sunday Blount will begin the next chapter of his life as he enters retirement from the public school system and begins a career with the University of Mount Olive.

Blount announced his plans to retire in February, and at the same time, announced his plans to begin working with the private university on the New Bern campus. The superintendent was honored by family, friends and co-workers during a reception Tuesday afternoon.

Blount was joined by his family, wife Toni, sons Jacob and Nick, and daughter Anna, during the reception.

“It has been a great ride,” Blount said about his time with Clinton City Schools. “Other avenues have not presented themselves, but I couldn’t think of a better place to end my career in the public school system.”

Blount isn’t leaving Clinton City Schools without being shown appreciation from board members. Following Tuesday night’s reception, the board held a combined meeting at Sampson Middle School, where board member Jason Walters expressed gratitude for a job well done.

“We truly appreciate your time and service and dedication to Clinton City Schools,” Walters shared with Blount and the other board members.

Blount, hired in 2012 under a four-year contract, was on his second contract — and still had a year and a half to go — when he was extended again. Last year, the school system was recognized both across the state and the nation with accolades of student achievement, something Blount said could be credited for the contract extension.

A native of Camden County, Blount came to Clinton City Schools from Scotland County Schools, where he served as the assistant superintendent of auxiliary services. He has nearly three decades of experience in education, serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. He is a graduate of East Carolina University where he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees.

While serving as superintendent of Clinton City Schools, Blount earned his doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Presiding in his last meeting as superintendent, Blount will return to the panel as a member of the Clinton City Schools Board of Education. During this year’s filing period, Blount announced his plans to seek a spot on the school system’s board and will be unopposed in that bid.

“It has been a privilege to serve the entire community of Clinton,” Blount attested.

Tuesday night, Blount took time to acknowledge the administrative staff of Clinton City Schools, and offer thanks for their service.

“I would like to thank each of you for helping our our system forward,” Blount shared.

The board has retained services of the North Carolina School Board Association to assist with the search for the next superintendent. Just last week, the board voted unanimously to hire Dr. Stewart Hobbs, former superintendent for Sampson County Schools, to serve as interim superintendent until a full-time hire is made.

Hobbs will begin April 1.

The staff of Clinton City Schools honored Dr. Stuart Blount with a retirement reception Tuesday afternoon at Clinton High School.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Blount1.jpgThe staff of Clinton City Schools honored Dr. Stuart Blount with a retirement reception Tuesday afternoon at Clinton High School. Kristy D. Carter|Sampson Independent

The faculty and staff at Sunset Avenue School presented Dr. Stuart Blount with a token of appreciation during a retirement reception.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Blount2.jpgThe faculty and staff at Sunset Avenue School presented Dr. Stuart Blount with a token of appreciation during a retirement reception. Kristy D. Carter|Sampson Independent
Blount departing, but poised for return

By Kristy D. Carter

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Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.