NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The New Hanover County Board of Education voted 6-0 to extend Superintendent Chris Barnes’ employment contract by one year on Tuesday.
The board did not discuss their decision after the vote on at Tuesday’s agenda review meeting, but Chair Pete Wildeboer provided a statement after the meeting.
“Dr. Barnes has led New Hanover County Schools with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to student success,” he said. “In a relatively short period of time, we have seen measurable gains in academic performance and an overwhelming improvement in our district’s culture.”
Wildeboer said this year’s teacher working conditions survey demonstrated “significant progress across nearly every category, reflecting a stronger, more supportive environment for our employees and affirming the work being done to ensure staff feels valued, heard, and empowered.”
Barnes previously served as the district’s assistant superintendent of human resources before taking the mantle as acting superintendent in July 2024, after the school board fired Charles Foust from the top role. Barnes was made permanent superintendent in February 2025 and extended his contract through 2029 in July 2025. Port City Daily asked the district why the one-year extension was taken up Tuesday but did not get a response by press.
A spokesperson explained, as part of his contract extension in last year, the board is to consider a contract extension every year thereafter.
Barnes’ leadership initially focused on repairing relationships with district staff through his listening tours, but the superintendent has also made financial stewardship a top priority. He has steered the board through budget shortfalls, overseen the creation of a bond referendum for this November’s ballot — navigated of a $116 million deal with The New Hanover Community Endowment and county to reduce the bond’s taxpayer impact — and will soon embark on a facility study to explore where the district can reduce its overhead, and thus, costs.
Barnes expressed his appreciation for the board’s continued confidence and emphasized that the district’s success is the result of a collective effort in a statement.
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the students, employees, families, and community of New Hanover County,” he said. “This extension is not about one individual; it reflects the incredible work taking place every day across our 45 schools and district departments. Together, we have built a strong foundation, and I remain committed to ensuring we become 1% Better Every Day as we continue creating opportunities for every student to succeed.”
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