On Friday, May 3, 2019, Dr. Travis L. Reeves, Superintendent of Surry County Schools,  district in Surry County, North Carolina, was again named the Region Five Superintendent of the Year by the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium (PTEC). 

The Piedmont Triad Education Consortium is led by Executive Director, Dr. Lillie Cox, and is a collaboration of the seventeen K-12 school districts in central North Carolina and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Dr. Reeves was selected from among his peers and colleagues placing him as one of the top eight superintendents in the state of North Carolina. As the Region Five Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Reeves will compete for the title of 2020 A. Craig Phillips North Carolina Superintendent of the Year. 

Dr. Reeves is currently in his sixth year as Superintendent of Surry County Schools.  Since taking the helm in January of 2013, Reeves has been a visionary, innovative, and next-generation superintendent focused on creating solutions to overcome the myriad of challenges facing public education.  A primary focus for Dr. Reeves has been to provide students with flexible scheduling options and choices to create pathways for all students to design their dreams and grow as leaders.   

Superintendent Reeves exemplifies the characteristics of a next-generation superintendent meeting the demands of next-generation students.  Preparing all students for college and careers to live, learn, and lead as productive citizens has been his charge. Leading efforts for a next-generation culture within the Surry County School System under his leadership have included several innovative programs including

• The establishment of the first magnet school in Surry County Schools, Meadowview Magnet Middle, with a focus on STEM education
• The creation of the Surry Virtual Academy to provide virtual options for students to take college courses taught by our own educators
• The Next Generation Career Academy born from recognized local industry needs and out of a partnership with Surry Community College to put high school students to work in paid internships
• The addition of animal science labs at each of the traditional high schools as a result of his deliberate efforts to foster business and community partnerships.  
• The creation of IGNITE Camps with students exploring biomedical and other STEM careers during summer intercessions
• The Innovative Year-Round Calendar which puts the needs of students first 
• The evolution of other novel programs, such as the Surry Central Culinary program, the Surry County Schools Digital Media Academies, and the Grow Strong Running Clubs
• The coining of High School Diploma +More as a goal for all students to graduate with college credits, industry credentials, or valuable work experience in addition to their high school diploma
• The establishment of a leadership framework for all students and staff
• The $26 million renovations of Dobson, Franklin, and Mountain Park Elementary Schools

While pursuing these goals, to meet the ever-changing needs of students, Dr. Reeves continues to keep the focus on moving the needle for academic achievement.  Surry County Schools has consistently ranked in the top 20 out of 115 school systems in Overall Academic Achievement. Moreover, the graduation rate has been on a steady upward trajectory under his leadership and is currently at an all-time high of 93%.

Dr. Reeves is the son of Richard and Sylvia Reeves and grew up in the Ennice community. He attended Glade Creek Elementary School and graduated from Alleghany High School in 1991. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History and Social Science with a Secondary Teaching License from Radford University, a Master of School Administration from Gardner-Webb University, and both a Specialist in Education in School Administration and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Prior to serving as Superintendent of the Surry County School System, he served as Superintendent of Ashe County Schools. Superintendent Reeves is married to wife, Leslie, and they have two children, Weatherly, a sophomore at North Surry High School, and Ridge, a 6th grader at Meadowview Magnet Middle School.

In a statement from Dr. Reeves, he said, “I am extremely proud to serve as superintendent of the Surry County School System.  We are fortunate to have such a forward-thinking Board of Education who are committed to putting the needs of students first.  Also, I serve alongside teachers and administrators who are fully engaged and committed to ensuring students receive a world-class education.  Combine that with supportive parents, business, and community partners and you have a wonderful example of what a community can do when everyone works together to support public education.  We are very fortunate to live in such a wonderful county and this recognition is shared with all who serve our students each day.”