CCS Superintendent Fisher announces upcoming retirement

Staff Reports | Cleveland County Schools Board of Education

Dr. Stephen Fisher's will retire as Superintendent effective July 1, 2026. Courtesy photo

SHELBY, NC — In a press release late Friday afternoon, the Cleveland County Board of Education announced the upcoming retirement of Superintendent Dr. Stephen R. Fisher, effective July 1, 2026.

The statement said: Dr. Fisher is a beloved leader whose unwavering commitment to students, educators, and families has cultivated excellence throughout our school district for more than 12 years.

Starting his career at Kings Mountain High School in 1998 as a math teacher, he soon thereafter became Assistant Principal at Kings Mountain Middle School - serving in that role from 2003 to 2005. Dr. Fisher went on to lead Kings Mountain Middle School as Principal from 2005 to 2008. He then began serving in district leadership as Director of Administrative Services from 2008 to 2013, Assistant Superintendent from 2013 to 2014, and, finally, as Superintendent beginning July 1, 2014. Dr. Fisher’s family has deep ties to Cleveland County Schools. His wife, Monica, is a current teacher in the district, his two sons are graduates of Kings Mountain High School, and his daughter is currently a senior. 

Dr. Fisher is a steadfast leader with tremendous vision and integrity. Under his leadership, the district has achieved significant milestones, including improved graduation rates, improved student achievement, and improved school performance grades. Academic programs such as Career and College Promise (“CCP”) and Career and Technical Education (“CTE”) have flourished, and major facility improvements have taken place such as the construction of the Crest and Burns auditoriums, countless renovations, and the development of the North Shelby School campus. Dr. Fisher’s warmth and stewardship has strengthened partnerships between the school system and the broader community.

Dr. Fisher shared, “Serving Cleveland County Schools has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have been lavishly blessed, and I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, the relationships formed, and the work we accomplished together. Though I will be retiring from this role at the end of the school year, my belief in this district, its future, and the people served remains unwavering.” 

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Superintendent Fisher further reflected, “When I was first hired as Superintendent in July of 2014, I shared a simple, often-repeated phrase: ‘I believe in Cleveland County Schools.’ That statement was more than a phrase — it was a commitment and a promise. Today, as I announce my upcoming retirement as Superintendent, I can say with even greater conviction that I still believe in Cleveland County Schools.” In Dr. Fisher’s correspondence to staff notifying the district of his retirement, he closed with this blessing: “May ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.’”

The Board of Education praised Dr. Fisher's tenure in the press release, adding, "Throughout his tenure, Dr. Fisher has been known not only for strategic leadership but also for a personal commitment to connecting with students and staff. From attending school events and athletic competitions to visiting classrooms and mentoring emerging leaders, he remained a visible and approachable presence across the district."

Chairman Joel Shores celebrated Dr. Fisher’s impact, “Dr. Fisher has been a steady and inspiring force for our schools. His leadership has strengthened our academic programs, fostered a culture of inclusion and respect, and positioned our district for continued success. We are profoundly grateful for his years of service.”

The Board of Education noted in the statement they will begin the search for the district’s next superintendent in the coming months, and, "Details about the transition process will be shared with the community as they become available."

The press release concluded by stating, "Please join us in congratulating Superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher on a remarkable career and wishing him all the best in a well-earned retirement."

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The Shelby Independent.