Former Alexander County School Principal Resigns As Superintendent In Avery County

Avery County Schools are scheduled to return to class on Wednesday. They’ve been out of school since September following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The school system is now without an acting Superintendent.

As of last Thursday, October 31st, Dr Dan Brigman is no longer with the district. Aery County Schools made the announcement last week but declined to provide details. Until the board can name an interim superintendent, the central officer directors will cover the superintendent’s duties. The board is set to meet on Tuesday, Nov. 12, but it has not been announced whether an interim will be appointed at that time.

An October 31 email to Avery County Schools employees on behalf of Avery County Board of Education reads: “The Board and Dr. Brigman have agreed to terms of separation from employment. His last day as Superintendent will be October 31, 2024. The terms of separation are a reduced full-contract buyout in the amount of $300,000.00 and all normal payouts at the time of separation. The source of funds for the buyout is one-time, non-recurring monies from the local fundbalance.  Effective immediately, the duties of Superintendent will be covered by central office directors until the Board can appoint an interim Superintendent. By law, the details of personnel matters are confidential, therefore, the Board asks that parents and staff understand that neither the school district nor Board members can discuss any personnel issues.”

Brigman had been the head of Avery County Schools for 6 years. He has a history in Alexander County Schools, he was  assistant principal and then principal at Bethlehem Elementary School (1997-1998 school year) and principal at West Alexander Middle School from 1998-2000.

Dr. Brigman’s wife, Cindy, resigned as Director of Student Services for the Avery School System earlier this year after receiving criticism about nepotism in working with her husband.

Photo: High County Press