CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — The Cabarrus County Schools superintendent has resigned after more than five years in the role.
The district announced Wednesday afternoon that Dr. Chris Lowder has resigned from his position as Superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools for purposes of retirement.
The resignation was announced at a Cabarrus County Board of Education special called meeting on Tuesday. Following the resignation, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Deputy Superintendent Brian Schultz to serve as Acting Superintendent effective immediately.
Although Lowder was eligible to retire in September of last year, he stayed on to continue to serve the district as the pandemic continued to affect school operations. His retirement is effective April 1. He will serve as a consultant to the district throughout the month of March to ensure a smooth transition as the Board begins its search for a new superintendent.
Lowder was appointed Superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools in December 2015. Lowder oversaw operations of the 8th largest school system in North Carolina and was named Regional Superintendent of the Year for 2018-19.
He began his career with the district as an English teacher at Central Cabarrus High School in 1992. Throughout his tenure, he has served as an assistant principal, principal and director of high school curriculum. Under his leadership, the district’s graduation rate climbed to new heights and consistently outpaces the state and national averages..
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Schultz was named an Assistant Superintendent for the Cabarrus County Schools in July 2019. He was promoted to Deputy Superintendent in March of last year and has been recognized for his contributions in many areas. Schultz previously served as Chief Academic Officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Guilford County Schools, as well as a teacher and principal in the Cabarrus County Schools district.
The Cabarrus County Board of Education said it is confident the school system is in good hands under the leadership of Schultz and thanked Lowder for his years of service.
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