Guilford County Schools Leader Under Consideration For Education Secretary

Several North Carolina educators are being considered for the next U.S. Education Secretary. One of them is Guilford County Schools Superintendent Sharon Contreras.

President-elect Joe Biden is expected to announce his pick to lead the U.S. Department of Education in the coming days. Dr. Sharon Contreras has been mentioned among other education leaders across the country. She's served as superintendent of Guilford County Schools since 2016.

A district spokesperson says at this point, it's premature to comment because Contreras hasn't officially been contacted by the Biden transition team for the nomination. She says she's honored to have her name mentioned by civil rights and education leaders in the press.

Paul Lessard, president of the High Point Community Foundation, has worked with Contreras on several local projects.

"Sharon has a great educational background. She loves the kids and she's so conscientious," says Lessard. "She's someone who this isn't a job for her, it's a passion and I'm just proud to call her my friend."

Multiple outlets report that Johnnetta Cole, former president of Bennett College, and Democratic Congresswoman Alma Adams are also under consideration.

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