05/22/2026
NC East Alliance and the STEM East Network congratulate Dr. Melanie Shaver, Hyde County Public School System Superintendent, for being named the 2026 North Carolina Association of Educators Division of Principals and Administrators Superintendent of the Year.
"Under her leadership, the district has continued to expand opportunities for students in one of North Carolina’s most unique and rural educational settings, proving that geography and size do not define potential."
Dr. Shaver’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to students, educators, and rural communities continue to make a lasting impact across Eastern North Carolina.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. Melanie Shaver Named NCAE 2026 Superintendent of the Year
HYDE COUNTY, NC — Hyde County Schools is proud to announce that Dr. Melanie Shaver has been named the 2026 North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) Division of Principals and Administrators Superintendent of the Year, one of the largest public education organizations in North Carolina.
The award recognizes extraordinary leadership, assertive advocacy for public education, and a profound commitment to student success, educator empowerment, and community engagement. Dr. Shaver was formally recognized during the Hyde County Schools Board of Education May Regular Meeting.
In presenting the award, NCAE Regional Director Rita Jackson-Gilbert described Dr. Shaver as a transformational leader whose work has “elevated student achievement, empowered educators, and strengthened the entire Hyde County community.”
Since becoming Superintendent, Dr. Shaver has led Hyde County Schools with a bold vision rooted in equity, innovation, relationships, and instructional excellence. Under her leadership, the district has continued to expand opportunities for students in one of North Carolina’s most unique and rural educational settings, proving that geography and size do not define potential.
“Dr. Shaver understands that every child; regardless of zip code, socioeconomic status or circumstance, deserves access to rigorous and meaningful learning experiences,” Jackson-Gilbert shared during the ceremony. “Her leadership reflects not only excellence in administration, but excellence in instructional expertise, innovation, advocacy, and high quality service to children and families.”
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Shaver has remained deeply engaged in classrooms and instructional practices, working alongside teachers and staff to strengthen teaching and learning across the district. Her leadership has focused on building teacher capacity, fostering collaboration, and creating systems of support that allow both students and educators to thrive.
But perhaps what distinguishes Dr. Shaver most is the heart behind her leadership.
In Hyde County Schools, relationships matter. Community matters. People matter. Dr. Shaver has cultivated a culture where educators feel valued, students feel seen, and families know they belong. Her leadership has brought people together around a shared purpose: ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed and every educator has the support to make that success possible.
Dr. Shaver has also become widely recognized for her innovative and forward-thinking approach to leadership. Through expanded communication efforts, strengthened partnerships, strategic planning initiatives, and creative solutions tailored to rural education, she has positioned Hyde County Schools as a model of what is possible when vision, advocacy, and dedication align.
“This recognition is not just about one person,” said Ms. Gilbert. “It reflects the incredible students, educators, staff, families, and communities that make Hyde County Schools so special. Dr. Shaver leads with humility, integrity, and purpose, and this award is a testament to the impact she has made across our district and beyond.”
The North Carolina Association of Educators highlighted Dr. Shaver’s ongoing commitment to advocacy and professional collaboration, noting that her leadership exemplifies the values of strong public schools, professional respect for educators, and equitable opportunities for all students.
As Hyde County Schools celebrates this extraordinary achievement, the district also celebrates the legacy of leadership Dr. Shaver continues to build which is rooted in service, compassion, innovation, and an unshakable belief in the power of public education.
Please join Hyde County Schools in congratulating Dr. Melanie Shaver, the 2026 NCAE Division of Principals and Administrators Superintendent of the Year.
https://www.ncae.org/about-ncae/media-center/press-releases/ncae-announces-2026-division-principals-and-administrators-award-winners
