By Beth Cassidy
Enterprise Record

The board of education last week unanimously approved the hiring of Dr. Darrin L. Hartness as the new superintendent.
Hartness, 41, will leave his position as superintendent of Mt. Airy City Schools and begin his work here July 1.
A native of Gaston County, Hartness has ties to Davie. His wife, the former Lisa King, is the daughter of Jerry and Martha King of Cooleemee and graduated from Davie High in 1988.
Hartness was preceded in his position in Mt. Airy by Dr. William Steed, who was serving as interim there and has been serving as interim here. Hartness said he and Steed know each other well and that he has the utmost respect for Steed. He hopes to carry on the “strong leadership” that Steed has provided and said he will always make his decisions based on what is best for students.
“I have a strong love and caring for children and will strive to always do what is best for them. I want to make sure every student grows academically every year, no matter what their ability level is …