Former Wake County Superintendent Bob Bridges, who helped integrate schools, dies
Bob Bridges, 87, former superintendent of the Wake County school system, has died.
Robert E. Bridges was Wake County superintendent from 1984 to 1988, serving as the first Black superintendent of what is now North Carolina’s largest school district. He ran the system during a pivotal period when Wake’s magnet school program, meant to fill inner-city schools and promote racial integration, was a new and uncertain venture.
“It is with deep sadness that we offer condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Bob Bridges, former WCPSS school superintendent and a critical figure in the success of our school system and community,” Wake County school board chairman Keith Sutton said in a statement Wednesday. “Dr. Bridges was a long-time educator and fierce advocate for all students who attended public schools.
“His work as an administrator at the height of the district’s efforts to integrate schools, followed by his successful tenure as the district’s first Black superintendent, created a legacy that can be seen among the thousands of WCPSS graduates who were given the chance to succeed and excel. His wisdom and insight will be missed.”
Bridges died Sunday.
Bridges started his teaching career at Hunter Elementary School in the Raleigh City Schools in 1961. He became principal at Crosby-Garfield Elementary School in 1968.
The highly respected educator would become a leader in the new system after Raleigh City Schools and the Wake County school system merged in 1976. He was named deputy superintendent in 1980 and a few years later became superintendent.
After leaving the district, Bridges went on to become provost at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh. He became an education consultant and later chaired the N.C. Advisory Commission on Raising Achievement and Closing Gaps.
“We lost a great educator with the passing of former Wake County Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Bob Bridges,” tweeted Terry Grier, former superintendent of Guilford County Schools and later the Houston Independent School District.
“He was courageous, ethical, and he knew how to empower and lead others. He was a great mentor, coach, and friend. We desperately need more leaders like him!”
Due to current COVID restrictions, Haywood Funeral Home announced that a private family-only service is planned for Saturday. But the funeral home said the service will be live-streamed. More information will be available at www.haywoodfh.com/obituary/RobertE-Bridges.
Cards and condolences should be mailed to the following address: The Bridges Family, 4120 Dublin Court, Burlington, NC 27215.
This story was originally published September 15, 2021 at 6:17 PM.
