Surry County Schools announces the upcoming retirement of Lucas Gillispie, Director of Technology, effective November 30, 2026. After 28 years in North Carolina public education, Gillispie is preparing for his next chapter, which will bring him back to the work that first inspired him to become an educator: teaching and working directly with teachers to make a difference in students’ lives.
A 1994 graduate of Surry Central High School, Gillispie began his career as a high school science teacher at Surry Central High School before continuing his classroom teaching career at Topsail High School. A North Carolina Teaching Fellow, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and later completed a master’s degree in instructional technology at the university in 2008.
In 2007, Gillispie transitioned to a district-level role with Pender County Schools as its Instructional Technology Coordinator. He returned home to Surry County in 2014 as Director of Academic and Digital Learning before moving into the role of Director of Technology in 2022.
Throughout his career, Gillispie has worked at the intersection of education and technology, helping educators explore innovative ways to engage students and enhance learning. His expertise has also reached beyond North Carolina, with international speaking engagements in France, Mexico, and Canada focused on the use of games in education. He has additionally served on the board of the North Carolina Technology in Education Society (NCTIES) for 14 years.
Reflecting on his retirement, Gillispie described the transition as a new beginning rather than an ending: “After 28 years in North Carolina public education, I've decided it's time for a reboot! I'm not shutting down, though, just transitioning to a new operating environment,” Gillispie said. “I've been so blessed to work alongside some amazing educators, students, and colleagues who have taught me far more than I could ever have taught them.”
While he will miss the relationships he has built throughout his time with Surry County Schools, Gillispie looks forward to returning to the classroom and supporting educators in their work with students.
“While I'll certainly miss the people and relationships I've built over the years in Surry County Schools, I'm excited to return to what drew me into education in the first place: teaching and working directly with teachers and helping them make a difference in the lives of students,” he said.
Surry County Schools thanks Gillispie for his years of service, his commitment to supporting educators and students, and the knowledge and experience he has brought to the district. His career reflects a continued dedication to helping teachers grow, embracing new possibilities in education, and keeping student learning at the center of his work.