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Hickory Public Schools says goodbye to longtime educator; new superintendent takes oath

Robert C. Reed

Judge Burford A. Cherry swears in Lillie Cox as Hickory Public Schools’ new superintendent at the school administration building Tuesday afternoon

By Sarah Newell Williamson | Hickory Daily Record

Published: July 1, 2009

HICKORY - Hickory Public Schools said goodbye to one superintendent on Tuesday as another one was ushered in.

Lillie Cox was sworn into office as Hickory Public Schools superintendent at a special board meeting at the conclusion of Ric Vandett's last day as superintendent. After being with the school system for 19 years, he retired.

Cox, 37, comes from the Alamance-Burlington School System in Alamance County, where she was the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

As she was being sworn in Tuesday, Cox smiled shyly, yet confidently. Afterward, when she was officially the new superintendent of Hickory Public Schools, she said she couldn't wait for the students to come back to school.

Although today marks Cox's first official day with Hickory Public Schools, she has visited the school system a few times since being selected as the new superintendent May 12.

"He's shown me around the office, and we've talked about decisions on the budget," Cox said.

Vandett said the two have also talked about the personnel in the school system, as well as how Catawba County is set up.

"This is the first time we've had an outsider come in as superintendent," Vandett said. "It's a different role for her. She doesn't know the players, all the personnel. And we have three school systems in the county. I've been trying to give her the overall picture."

Today, Cox will start her new job, meeting with Catawba County Manager Tom Lundy on the budget, she said. She also plans to work out a schedule to meet with all of the administrators in the school system, as well as the principals.

And although Cox has already visited all of the schools, she hasn't toured inside them. She said she'd like to do that within the next week.

"I'm really excited to be here," Cox said. "I thank the board for entrusting me with your children."

Vandett stayed through Cox's swearing in, ready to hand over the keys to the school administration building, her new office and the alarm code.

"It's been a sad, yet happy day," Vandett said of his final day with the school system. "The staff had a breakfast for me, and everyone at central office came. It was a nice way to say goodbye."