“It's a very good opportunity for me and my family,” Sawyer said this afternoon, “But I can't help but have on my mind and heart the experiences we had in Roanoke Rapids.”

Sawyer, a native of Pamlico County, said, “It gets us back to our family. It's really bittersweet.”

Sawyer will leave Roanoke Rapids with a sense of accomplishment. “I feel like the team work we've had positions us to continue to push for higher levels of performance. I think it's a bright future for students, staff and community. There have been challenges, but overall I think the wonderful staff worked hard together to improve and strengthen opportunities for our students.”

Arapahoe is one of the first public charter schools in North Carolina, he said. “It's very well established. The school is very community oriented.”

“Dr. Sawyer has led the district through many positive changes over his 11 year tenure and mostly recently spearheaded our five-year strategic plan which will guide the district’s work with teachers, parents, and students through 2020,” school board Chairman Jay Carlilse said in the statement .

The board has scheduled a meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the central office to discuss its process in the search for Sawyer’s replacement and a potential timeline.

Carlisle said he would like to see someone in place before school resumes in the fall.

“There is a great deal of positive momentum in our schools right now and I have no doubt our talented staff will continue to move forward on behalf of our students and continue to promote the positives of a smaller community school district like ours,” said Sawyer in the statement.

Sawyer also thanked the board, administrative team, staff, parents, and community for supporting him during his tenure. “I feel strongly about the work we have done and the forward thinking strategic plan the board adopted earlier this year which creates a bridge for future success. Roanoke Rapids will always have a special place in my heart.”

Sawyer will begin his new position July 1.