Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. William “Bill” McNeal joined Wake County Public School System in 1974, serving as a teacher, school and district administrator, and ultimately becoming Superintendent from 2000 – 2006.

When he became superintendent in 2000, he led the implementation of Goal 2003. Student achievement scores soared, reaching over 91% by 2003. Under Dr. McNeal’s leadership, Wake County Public School System was named third in the 2004 Forbes’ “Top Ten List for the Best Education in the Biggest Cities.” Dr. McNeal was named National School Superintendent of the Year in 2004.

Following his WCPSS service, he served as the executive director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators. Additionally, Dr. McNeal contributed to North Carolina’s Race to the Top proposal, which brought a $400 million grant to North Carolina Schools. He continued to serve our community on various boards, including Peace College, WakeMed Foundation, WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Golden Corral Corporation, and the North Carolina Public School Forum. He is the co-author with Tom Oxholm of A School District’s Journey to Excellence: Lessons from Business and Education.