RRGSD Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Mike Williams Announces Resignation
Applications to Fill Vacancy are Due by August 14, 2026
The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Board Chair Dr. Mike Williams during its July 21 meeting, concluding an extraordinary chapter of service to public education that has spanned six decades. Dr. Williams announced his resignation effective upon adjournment of the meeting, expressing gratitude for the opportunities the district has provided throughout his distinguished career.
"My relationship with Roanoke Rapids Graded School District has been both long and rewarding," Dr. Williams said. "I am and will remain deeply appreciative of the opportunities for professional growth and public service that have been afforded me by the district over the past six decades."
Dr. Williams explained that he informed Vice Chair Ed Liverman in early April that he planned to conclude his service on the Board after ensuring a smooth leadership transition to the district's new superintendent.
"The new superintendent is in place and has made key positive decisions in assembling the leadership team," Williams said. "It is now time for the board to choose its next chairman, select a new board member, and work in tandem with Dr. Jones as the district moves forward."
Dr. Williams' connection to Roanoke Rapids Graded School District extends far beyond his service as a trustee. Throughout his career, Dr. Williams has served North Carolina public education as a mathematics teacher, principal, superintendent of three school systems, coach and mentor to school leaders, interim superintendent, and a respected leader in statewide education organizations. Since joining the RRGSD Board of Trustees in 2009, he has helped guide the district through periods of growth, leadership transitions, strategic planning, and continued academic progress. He was elected to his third six-year term in 2021 and has served as Board Chair since 2023.
In 2023, Dr. Williams received the prestigious Raleigh Dingman Award for Outstanding Boardsmanship from the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA), the organization's highest honor recognizing exceptional service and leadership among school board members across the state. As part of that recognition, he was appointed to serve as an ex-officio advisor to the North Carolina State Board of Education, where he represented the interests of public school districts statewide.
Superintendent Dr. Bennett Jones expressed his appreciation for Dr. Williams' lasting impact on the district and community. “Dr. Williams, on behalf of the District and community, along with the tens of thousands of students and staff members you have helped throughout your six decades of service to the area, thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion for education, and commitment to excellence with all of us,” said Dr. Jones. “Though I have been here only a short time, I value and appreciate your guidance and wisdom you have shared with me as I have assumed this role and I look forward to our district honoring your service in the near future.”
Following Dr. Williams' resignation, the Board elected Ed Liverman to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees and Jeff Kloss to serve as Vice Chair. Both appointments became effective immediately following adjournment of the July 21 meeting.
The Board also approved the process for filling the vacant trustee position, which carries a term through November 2027. Individuals interested in serving on the Board of Trustees must be registered voters who reside within the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District. Interested applicants may obtain an application from the district website at www.rrgsd.org or by visiting the Central Services Office at 536 Hamilton Street. Completed applications must be submitted to Board Clerk Fran Garner no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026. Additional information regarding board member qualifications and responsibilities is available on the district website.
The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Mike Williams for his decades of dedicated service to public education and wishes him the very best in his retirement from the Board of Trustees.