Pomp and circumstance greeted the new Alamance-Burlington school system superintendent, Dr. Aaron Fleming, as he began his first day on the job Wednesday morning with a swearing-in ceremony at Cummings High School.
The Western High School ROTC Color Guard presented the flag, while the Williams High School orchestra played throughout the ceremony, which was attended by ABSS staff, students, school board members, county officials, and community members.
Alamance County district court judge Doug Green (shown on the left) delivers the oath of office to Fleming (right), while Karen Chandler (center), who is the executive assistant to the superintendent, holds the Bible.
[Story continues below photos of swearing-in ceremony.]
Following the oath, Fleming outlined his leadership style in a brief address.
“As we move forward together, there are three guiding principles that will shape my leadership: authenticity, clarity, and consistency,” the new superintendent said.
“To our students and families…I will listen to your needs, your concerns, and your dreams, and work to ensure that every voice is heard.
“To our community: I will focus on providing clear and accessible communication…I believe that when we are clear about our goals and how we plan to achieve them, we can work together more effectively to create the best possible environment for our students,” Fleming said.
“To our dedicated staff and educators,” he promised, “consistency will be at the heart of my leadership. You deserve a leader who is reliable and steady, someone you can count on to support you, advocate for you, and ensure that you have what you need to succeed.
“I am excited for the work ahead,” said Fleming, “and I am confident that by staying true to these principles—being authentic, clear, and consistent—we will build a stronger, more united community where every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
School board chairman Sandy Ellington-Graves said Wednesday morning, “Today marks beginning of a new chapter… Our responsibility to this community, our students, and our staff has never been greater, and we are confident that, together, we will continue to build a district that is safe, inclusive, and academically excellent.”
A Rowan County native, Fleming began his career in public education as an agricultural education teacher. He had served as superintendent of Harnett County schools since 2017.
Fleming holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Wingate University; a master’s of school administration from Appalachian State University; and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from N.C. State University.
