Hampton County Seeks New Superintendent

News Summary

The Hampton County School District is in search of a new superintendent following Dr. Ronald Wilcox’s retirement at the end of December. The school board has selected three finalists for the position, who will be introduced to the community during upcoming meet and greet events. The selection process is being managed by the S.C. School Board Association, with final interviews scheduled in early November. The district emphasizes the importance of community feedback in choosing the next leader to guide the schools.

Exciting Developments in Hampton County: Search for New Superintendent Kicks Off

As we bid farewell to an influential figure in our education system, the Hampton County School District is buzzing with anticipation. After a dedicated tenure, Dr. Ronald Wilcox is set to retire at the end of December, prompting the district to seek out a new leader to steer the ship. With a wealth of experience and a heartfelt commitment to education, Wilcox has made a lasting impact since he took charge in July 2016.

The school board made a significant move on October 28 when they voted unanimously to select three finalists vying for the esteemed position of superintendent. This decision comes after an extensive review of applications and several interviews conducted with semi-finalists from October 21 to 23.

Meet the Finalists

The three finalists selected are:

• David Laws, Jr., Ed.D. – Currently the Director of Innovation and Career and Technical Education in the Sumter School District since 2015, Laws boasts a robust background in education. He has worn many hats, including those of a middle school principal and assistant principal.
• Glenda Sheffield, Ed.D. – Sheffield brings over 15 years of leadership experience to the table, serving as the Chief Academic Officer for The School District of Palm Beach County in Florida. Her impressive journey includes several principal roles, showcasing her dedication to fostering academic excellence.
• John Tharp, Ed.D. – Currently at the helm of a high school in York County, South Carolina, Tharp’s leadership experience extends across multiple districts and even higher education. His diverse background could prove invaluable to our students.

These finalists have been selected based on a comprehensive assessment of their qualifications and the valuable insights gathered during focus group meetings held with community members, who shared their hopes for the incoming superintendent’s qualifications.

Upcoming Events for the Community

Want a chance to meet these aspiring leaders? Mark your calendars! The Hampton County School District has organized Community Meet and Greet events on November 4, 6, and 7. This is a fantastic opportunity for parents, staff, and residents to engage with the candidates and voice any questions or concerns they may have. The meet and greet on November 7 begins at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room of North District Middle School.

Looking for a chance to know the finalists better? Each event is designed for you to get to know the candidates, ask questions, and provide feedback to the school board as they make this crucial decision.

The Selection Process

The hunt for a new superintendent is being guided by the S.C. School Board Association (SCSBA), which has been instrumental in managing the logistics of the search. They assisted with advertising the position, performing reference checks, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. However, it’s important to note that while they play a key role in the process, they do not make employment recommendations.

What’s Next?

In the days following the community meet and greets, the HCSD Board plans to conduct closed sessions on November 4, 6, and 7 for further interviews with the finalists. The school district has yet to announce a final decision date, but there’s an air of excitement as everyone holds their breath for who will take the mantle.

A Fond Farewell to Dr. Wilcox

It’s certainly a bittersweet moment as Dr. Wilcox prepares to step down. His leadership has been vital, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilcox played a key role in consolidating Hampton County’s public school districts and has over 40 years of experience in educational leadership across three states.

As the district gears up for this new chapter, there’s no doubt that the community’s voice and support will be pivotal in choosing the best candidate to continue the legacy of excellence in the Hampton County School District.

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Additional Resources

• Bluffton Today: H.C. School District Announces Finalists for Superintendent Position
• Go Laurens: District 55 Announces Finalists for Position of Superintendent
• Fox Carolina: Laurens District 55 Announces Finalists for Superintendent Search
• Wikipedia: Superintendent of Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education