Last Updated on February 21, 2026 11:00 am
WILKES COUNTY – Dr. Mark Byrd, Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools, was found dead at his Hays residence Friday afternoon, according to Wilkes County Sheriff Chris Shew.
Byrd, 52, was found with an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at his residence at 1025 Oak Ridge Church Road in Hays, the sheriff said late Friday night.
Deputies responded to Byrd's home after the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office received a call at 3:14 p.m. Friday. A family member found Byrd deceased in a vehicle in his garage, according to the sheriff. Byrd's full name was Daniel Mark Byrd.
“At this time there is no evidence of foul play,” Sheriff Shew said, adding that the sheriff's office and State Bureau of Investigation are continuing their investigation. An autopsy has been scheduled.
Wilkes Board of Education Chairman Rudy Holbrook asked that people pray for Byrd's family and the Wilkes County Schools. He indicated that more information would be forthcoming soon.
Byrd was a native of Wilkes County and a graduate of North Wilkes High School, Wilkes Community College, and Appalachian State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in history and secondary education. He also held an Educational Specialist Degree in educational administration from Appalachian State and a Master's Degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb University.
Byrd became Wilkes County superintendent in late January 2016 after serving as interim superintendent since October 2015. He was in his tenth year leading the district.
He was named the 2021 Northwest Region Superintendent of the Year, the 2021 Superintendent of the Year by the N.C. Public School Maintenance Association, and received the 2023 Bob McRae Superintendent of the Year award from the N.C. High School Athletic Association.
Prior to his role as superintendent, Byrd served as assistant superintendent, director of secondary education, and principal at Elkin High School and North Iredell High School. He began his career as a history and civics teacher and assistant football coach and men's track coach at North Wilkes High.
Dr. Mark Byrd, Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools, has passed away. The news has been confirmed by Board Chairman Rudy Holbrook to WXII-TV.
WataugaOnline will update as more information becomes available.
According to the Wilkes County Schools website, “Mark Byrd is a native of Wilkes County and begins his tenth year as Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools in 2025-2026. He is a graduate of North Wilkes High School, Wilkes Community College, and graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in History and Secondary Education in 1994.”
