Dr. Kristin Todd appointed NCSD interim director

The North Carolina School for the Deaf (NCSD) Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Dr. Kristin Todd as the school’s interim director, following former director Mark Patrick’s retirement on Feb. 1.

Todd began her career at NCSD in 2003 as a middle school teacher for deaf students. Since then, she has served in leadership roles in program compliance, admissions, and professional services. She holds degrees in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education from Lenoir-Rhyne University, a master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Appalachian State University, and a doctorate in Executive Leadership from Western Carolina University.

Board Chair Sandy Turner said Todd’s appointment was based on her familiarity with the school and ability to step in quickly.

“When Mr. Patrick took ... leave, we needed an acting director because the board could not hire new staff without a school director,” Turner said. “Dr. Todd took on that role temporarily, and when Mr. Patrick decided to retire, the board unanimously approved her to serve as interim director through June 30.”

Her appointment comes as NCSD continues to adjust to the significant governance changes brought on by NC House Bill 11 and the omnibus Senate Bill 382, which shifted oversight of the state’s residential schools for the deaf and blind from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to newly established boards of trustees.

Some staff and community members have expressed concerns about the impact of these governance changes on the director’s authority. Patrick, who served as NCSD’s director since 2020, publicly cited board interference as a key reason for his decision to retire. Patrick has since been hired as executive director of St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf in the Bronx, N.Y.

The interim director acknowledges that she is stepping into a challenging role but hopes to support staff and students by fostering collaboration and communication.

“I try to lead from behind because we have great people here,” Todd said. “I have a strong leadership team and great teachers, so I want to support them in doing what they know is best for students.”

She also noted that new legislative changes give NCSD flexibility that it hasn’t had in the past. They can make curriculum decisions more independently as well as advertise the school’s programs to the 46 school districts served by NCSD.

“There are still so many families that don’t even know there is a deaf school in Morganton,” Todd said. “Now, we have the opportunity to spread awareness, and we hope that will help the school grow.”

Highlighting goals to expand the programs NCSD offers, particularly career and technical education, Todd shared, “We’re excited to be working on a Gear Up grant with Appalachian State to create more post-secondary opportunities.”

Like many schools across the country, NCSD faces staffing shortages. While Todd and the board assert that student needs are being met, vacancies remain a challenge — particularly when it comes to recruiting new hires. The board has struggled to fill a principal position, with two prospective hires withdrawing due to personal reasons.

“We still have small class sizes, and every student is getting the attention and education they require,” Todd said. “While we have vacancies, they’re primarily due to retirements rather than unfilled essential positions.”

Teacher retention and staff investment will be emphasized during the interim period.

“There was a time when NCSD was among the top five deaf schools in the country,” Turner said. “People (employees) came here and stayed for decades. That’s the kind of environment we want to establish.”

As interim director, Todd will guide NCSD through this transition period until a permanent superintendent is hired. The board has already received applications for the superintendent position, though no final decision has been made.

Todd says she is optimistic about the school’s future but acknowledges the weight of responsibility that comes with the role. “We have a lot of new opportunities, but with that comes great responsibility,” she said. “My biggest concern is making sure we are doing everything we need to for our students — both now and in the future.”