Former NHCS Superintendent to Lead Proposed All-Boys Charter School

Dr. Charles Foust tapped to serve as superintendent of New Hope Technology Preparatory Academy

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:04am

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene of students in a classroom, with soft, warm pools of light and color, conveying the concept of a specialized educational setting.The proposed all-boys charter school aims to offer a specialized educational environment, though its future remains uncertain.Wilmington Today

The former superintendent of New Hanover County Schools, Dr. Charles Foust, has been selected to lead a proposed all-boys charter school in Wilmington, North Carolina. The New Hope Technology Preparatory Academy (NHTPA) is being developed by the New Hope CDC organization, and if approved, would not open for another two years.

Why it matters

This appointment comes after Foust was fired from his previous role as superintendent of New Hanover County Schools in 2024. The proposed all-boys charter school aims to provide a specialized educational option for young men in the Wilmington area, though its approval and launch timeline remain uncertain.

The details

According to Founder and CEO Robert Campbell of the New Hope CDC, Dr. Charles Foust will serve as the superintendent of the proposed NHTPA charter school. The charter school application is still pending approval by the state, and if given the green light, the school would not open its doors for another two years.

  • Dr. Foust was fired as superintendent of New Hanover County Schools in 2024.
  • The proposed NHTPA charter school would not open for another two years if its application is approved.

The players

Dr. Charles Foust

The former superintendent of New Hanover County Schools who has been selected to lead the proposed New Hope Technology Preparatory Academy (NHTPA) all-boys charter school.

Robert Campbell

The Founder and CEO of the New Hope CDC organization, which is behind the development of the proposed NHTPA charter school.

New Hanover County Schools

The school district where Dr. Foust previously served as superintendent before being fired in 2024.

New Hope Technology Preparatory Academy (NHTPA)

The proposed all-boys charter school that Dr. Foust has been selected to lead, if the school's application is approved by the state.

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What they’re saying

“The former superintendent of New Hanover County Schools has been tapped to lead a proposed all-boys charter school in Wilmington.”

— Robert Campbell, Founder and CEO, New Hope CDC

What’s next

If the NHTPA charter school application is approved by the state, the school would open its doors in two years with Dr. Foust serving as superintendent.

The takeaway

This appointment represents an opportunity for Dr. Foust to return to a leadership role in education, though his previous dismissal from the New Hanover County Schools district raises questions about his suitability for the position. The proposed all-boys charter school aims to provide a specialized learning environment, but its ultimate success remains to be seen.