Superintendent Information

Carol Rankin

Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent/Board of Education
(252) 830-4264
crankin@pitt.k12.nc.us 

Superintendent's Biography

Dr. Steve M. Lassiter, Jr.

Dr. Steve M. Lassiter Jr. was named Superintendent of Pitt County Schools on August 4, 2024, after serving as the district’s Deputy Superintendent for four months.

Dr. Lassiter has dedicated his career to transforming schools, empowering educators, and creating opportunities for students to thrive. A respected educational leader with nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Lassiter has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and now superintendent. His leadership has consistently focused on improving student achievement, strengthening instructional excellence, and building high-performing school communities.

Before becoming superintendent, Dr. Lassiter served as Pitt County Schools' Assistant Superintendent for Education Programs and Services, where he led curriculum and instruction, professional development, and academic initiatives for a district serving more than 24,000 students and 3,000 employees. Earlier, as Assistant Superintendent in Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools, he oversaw critical operational areas including human resources, transportation, child nutrition, and maintenance, gaining broad executive leadership experience that continues to inform his work today.

Dr. Lassiter first earned statewide recognition as principal of Pactolus School, where his visionary leadership resulted in measurable improvements in student success and school culture. During his tenure, he implemented Professional Learning Communities across all content areas, secured $35,000 in recurring funding for after-school programs, reduced teacher turnover by 50 percent in just one year, and helped the school earn designation as a Model Positive Behavior Intervention and Support School. In 2015, his accomplishments were recognized with two of North Carolina's highest honors for school leaders: National Distinguished Principal and Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. Earlier, while serving as principal of Edna Andrews Elementary School in Martin County, he led the school to recognition as a North Carolina Reward School.

Dr. Lassiter's journey in education began with Pitt County Schools, where he taught fifth grade at W.H. Robinson Elementary School before inspiring middle school students in science, social studies, and language arts at E.B. Aycock Middle School. Those classroom experiences continue to shape his student-centered approach to leadership.

His commitment to educational excellence extends beyond the district. Dr. Lassiter serves on the boards of the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the North Carolina Science, Technology Education Center, and EducationNC.

An accomplished speaker and thought leader, Dr. Lassiter is frequently invited to present at national, regional, and state conferences on leadership, curriculum, and school improvement. His innovative work has also been featured in multiple educational publications.

Among his most recent recognitions, Dr. Lassiter was the only North Carolina superintendent named as one of the 2025-26 National School Public Relations Association’s ‘Top 30 Superintendents to Watch’. Dr. Lassiter was recognized for his outstanding leadership in fostering meaningful, two-way communication and strengthening community engagement. In 2024, he was awarded the First Bank Out of This World Educator Award, further reflecting his dedication to innovation and excellence in education.

A native of Edenton, North Carolina, Dr. Lassiter earned his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and his master's degree in School Administration from East Carolina University before completing his Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision at North Carolina State University.

As Superintendent of Pitt County Schools, Dr. Lassiter continues to champion a vision centered on academic excellence, strong community partnerships, and preparing every student for success in college, career, and life. His leadership reflects a deep belief that exceptional schools are built through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to students.