How We Do It

TIP seeks superintendents who want to be a part of a close, dynamic community of leaders to rethink, reimagine, and redesign public education with equity and access as foundational goals. We seek to engage in work that enables educators, leaders, and students alike to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, to prepare them for the challenges of learning and leading in the 21st century. 

We build networks across our school districts and communities that accelerate and sustain innovation. Our work centers on connecting our superintendent members and their leadership teams with each other and collectively delving into deeper explorations of innovation. Our work is supported and enhanced through partnerships with other education-focused organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Commitment to the State

While we are committed to maintaining a close community for exploring innovation, we are also committed to scaling change across North Carolina by sharing resources created by TIP. TIP staff also present at conferences, and our members are encouraged to share resources at their regional and state meetings.

Our History

The Innovation Project formally began on July 1, 2015. Gerry Hancock and Ann McColl founded the program as a service of the Raleigh law firm, Everett Gaskins Hancock LLP. The project began with ten superintendents who came together to seek innovative approaches to strengthening public education. By 2017, TIP’s growth demanded a more robust organizational structure. We had established multiple strong partnerships and had earned the support of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and the Belk Foundation. Initiatives including our Restart Schools Collaborative had grown exponentially. In light of this early success, TIP ended its incubation in the law firm and became an independent North Carolina nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. As part of this shift, TIP created its first board of superintendents, which assumed responsibility for the organization. Dr. Jim Merrill, superintendent of Wake County Schools, served as the chair until his retirement. Dr. William Harrison, superintendent of Alamance-Burlington Schools and former State Board chair, served as the next chair. Dr. Tony Jackson of Vance County Schools served as chair from 2018-2021. Dr. Kim Morrison of Mt. Airy City Schools is the current chair. Dr. Sharon L. Contreras has served as the organization’s CEO since September 2022.