Dr. Valerie H. Bridges

Dr. Valerie H. Bridges is the retired Superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools. She served as superintendent from 2017-2023, during her tenure in Edgecombe she led the school district out of low performing status. Before serving as District Superintendent she served as Associate and Assistant Superintendent in Edgecombe and Washington County Schools. Before working in the Eastern region of North Carolina, she worked in Guilford and Wake County Public Schools as a high school teacher, middle school assistant principal, and elementary principal. During her tenure as principal, she was nominated as principal of the year several times (three of the six years) and was named 2007 Principal of the Year by GCAEOP. Her school was selected as one of the fifteen most improved schools during the 2007 school year and met high growth standards during the 2008 and 2009 school years. As a school leader, she has implemented multiple programs to improve academic achievement and student support (40 Days of Purpose, Princi”pals”, Days of Peace, Covey Moments).  The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce nominated Dr. Bridges as the 2021 Distinguished Citizen of the Year on February 4, 2021.

She earned a B.S. degree in Accountancy from UNC Wilmington, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Meredith College, teacher certification from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, a Master’s degree in School Administration and a doctorate degree in Educational Research and Leadership from NC State University in Raleigh, NC.

Dr. Bridges is an active member of the Fulbright Principal Exchange program and has traveled to Brazil and Argentina. She has hosted principals from Argentina in Guilford and Edgecombe County.

She is married and has 2 children; she loves professional football and college basketball.  Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and shopping for shoes.

But her real passion and joy is for children and helping students to reach their full potential. Her motto is “Whatever it Takes” to help students succeed.