State Board of Education Chairman Phil Kirk, the second-longest serving chairman in the history of the board, announced March 7 that he will resign from that post May 1.

Calling his service as State Board Chairman one of the highlights of his life, Kirk said the long days spent as an advocate for public schools at the same time he worked as president of North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry were tiring and that he is ready to turn over the post.

Kirk will remain an active education supporter as he serves on a number of other education boards. He said that he will refocus his energies on making NCCBI even more effective in serving its members.

“The past 5½ years have been exhilarating, challenging and most enjoyable,” Kirk said in a statement released at the state board meeting. “Our public schools are leading the nation in progress and North Carolina has won much-deserved national recognition by so many groups and in so many different areas. This has unquestionably been a team effort with the hard-working members of the State Board of Education leading the way. I have been tremendously proud to be a member of this board.”

Former Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., who appointed Kirk to the board, said, “Phil Kirk has done a superb job as chairman of the State Board of Education. He has made an historic contribution in pushing for high academic standards in North Carolina schools and under his leadership, our test scores reflecting student learning have gone up more than in any other state.

“His tenure also has seen the standards for public school teachers raised and salaries have advanced from 43rd to 21st in the nation. I am deeply grateful for his leadership and urge his continued strong involvement in improving education and the economy in North Carolina.”

Kirk said he has been able to meet many of the goals that he set when he met with Hunt in 1997 to discuss serving as board chairman. These goals include visiting all ll7 school systems at least once and more than 750 schools, beginning to restore respect for the teaching profession and public schools in general, implementing a “Good News Presentation” at the beginning of every State Board of Education meeting, helping to maintain and enhance public school initiatives in accountability, and working to improve the salaries and working conditions for educators.

State Superintendent Mike Ward said that Kirk has been a hard-working and successful leader for public schools.

“While it is tough to see Phil leave this role, we’re proud of his legacy as State Board chairman and confident that he will continue to be a strong advocate for our students,” Ward said.

Kirk will continue his support for public schools even after he steps down May 1. He is chairman of the Workforce Development and Education committee of the N.C. Economic Development Board, as well as a member of its executive committee. He sees this as a very important role as North Carolina works to rebuild its economy and create jobs for its citizens.

He also plans to resume being an active member of the Board of Directors for the Public School Forum, the N.C. Travel and Tourism Board and the Travel and Tourism Coalition board and other education and business groups.

“I am convinced that we will all remain committed to high standards and high expectations and that we will work together to be sure adequate resources — both in money and in volunteer time — are available to meet these goals,” Kirk said.

At his swearing-in ceremony Nov. 6, 1997, Kirk said, “There is nothing - absolutely nothing - which is more important to our future than the education of our children and our grandchildren. To be able to play a role in public education in North Carolina is a tremendous challenge.”

Kirk and his wife, Margaret, a six-time PTA co-president, have been long-time supporters of public schools. Kirk has four daughters and three grandchildren.

Kirk was appointed to the board by Hunt in 1997 to fill an unexpired term. Kirk is a native of Rowan County and a graduate of Catawba College. He is president and secretary of the N.C. Citizens for Business and Industry and the publisher of North Carolina Magazine.

His extensive list of governmental positions includes serving as chief of staff for two former governors and a U.S. senator. He also served in the N.C. General Assembly and was the youngest state senator in history at the time of his election.