Greensboro, NC – Carol A. Worley of the Clinton City Schools Board of Education is the 2025-2026 recipient of the North Carolina School Boards Association’s (NCSBA) Raleigh Dingman Award for Outstanding Boardsmanship. The Raleigh Dingman Award is the highest honor bestowed on a North Carolina school board member.
“Carol Worley is a shining example of what it means to take care of students and help them thrive,” said NCSBA Executive Director Leanne Winner. “Her dedication to expanding access to high-quality education for all students in her district is a blueprint for helping all students reach their full potential.”
Worley has 15 years of experience of leading on her school board, including her current position as vice chair, and has served multiple terms on the NCSBA Board of Directors. She is also the founder of a nonprofit working to provide a safe environment and fun activities for local youth.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Raleigh Dingman, the association’s first full-time executive director, and was first presented at the 1981 annual conference. In 2002 legislation was passed by the North Carolina General Assembly that provides for the Raleigh Dingman Award winner to serve as an ex officio advisor to the state board of education and to attend meetings and participate in deliberations of the state board. Worley will serve in this capacity as well as on the NCSBA Board of Directors through the association’s next Annual Conference in November 2026
Nominees for this year’s award include Caswell County School Board Chair Mel Battle, Franklin County School Board Member Paige Sayles, Lee County School Board Chair Sherry Lynn Womack, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County School Board Member Sharon Warden, and Scotland County School Board Chair Rick Singletary.
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About the North Carolina School Boards Association: NCSBA is the professional organization that represents local boards of education in North Carolina. Founded in 1937, it is a member-driven association that supports the school governance team — school board members, superintendents, senior administrative staff and board assistants — in its complex leadership role.
