Superintendent Reflects on First 100 Days: “Listening, Learning, and Leading Greene County Forward”
When Dr. Rodney McNeill stepped into his role as Superintendent of Greene County Schools this summer, he brought with him not only nearly two decades of educational experience but also a deep personal connection. Originally from Raeford, Dr. McNeill is a three-time graduate of East Carolina University and began his career in 2004 as a fifth-grade teacher in Pitt County. Over the years, he has served as an assistant principal, principal, and most recently as executive director of human capital in Greene County, all experiences that have shaped his student-centered approach to leadership.
“Education changed the trajectory of my life,” he shared. “I’m living proof of the power of education to change lives. That belief drives me every day.”
McNeill credits much of his leadership philosophy during his first 100 days to lessons learned during his participation in The Four Essential Roles of Leadership program from the Franklin Covey Institute. The training emphasized creating environments where every employee feels like “a valued member of a winning team, doing meaningful work, in an environment of trust”, a principle that continues to guide his work in Greene County.
“That vision resonated with me deeply,” he said. “It’s how I want our schools and district to feel, for staff, students, and the community.”
In his first 100 days, Dr. McNeill focused on connection, collaboration, and clarity. He met with school and district leaders, reviewed budgets and data, and established open communication channels with community leaders and the Board of Education. He also devoted time to the new high school construction project and strengthening relationships with county officials, law enforcement, and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He also spent time ensuring that he had put his team in place, set district goals, and maintained continuity within schools, which were also essential. Ultimately, my goal has been to listen, learn, and respond to the needs of our schools and community. He shared that this was all done “while working with limited time, limited staff, and limited resources.”
But the heart of his first 100 days has been in the schools. Dr. McNeill visited every school in the district, conducting full-day, non-evaluative visits designed to listen and learn. At the end of each visit, he held open conversations with teachers, asking three key questions:
1. What do you love most about Greene County Schools?
2. What are the things that should never change?
3. What should I be working on first?
“Those conversations have given me invaluable insight into what matters most to our educators and students,” he noted.
Dr. McNeill is candid about the challenges facing the district, particularly the need to strengthen academic outcomes and close post-pandemic learning gaps. To address these issues, Greene County Schools is partnering with Public Impact and Opportunity Culture and collaborating with NCDPI on abbreviated school-level needs assessments.
“We’re taking a hard look at lesson planning, unpacking standards, and analyzing assessments through the student lens,” he explained. “It’s about being intentional with our instructional practices.”
Dr. McNeill has been encouraged by the strong sense of pride and support from local families, businesses, and organizations. He points to the growing involvement of churches and community groups offering after-school tutoring as a hopeful sign of shared responsibility.
“Families and community partners play a crucial role,” he said. “When parents stay engaged and community groups step up to support learning, it makes a tangible difference.”
As he looks to the future, Dr. McNeill’s long-term vision is simple but powerful: he wants Greene County Schools to win.
“I want us to exit low-performing status and see every school meet or exceed growth,” he said. “I want our graduates to be confident, competitive, and proud to call Greene County home.”
Dr. McNeill remains optimistic that, despite limited resources, the district’s greatest strength, its people, will continue to drive progress.
“Our teachers, staff, and students are incredibly dedicated,” he said. “If we stay united and focused, we will continue to move Greene County forward.” He also shared that Greene County’s Staff have an “incredible passion and dedication to this district.”
To the community, McNeill shared, “Thank you for welcoming me and embracing the work ahead. I appreciate your understanding that we have challenges to tackle, but if we stay united and committed, we will continue to make meaningful progress together.”
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