Fort Mill Schools Seek Community Input for New Superintendent

News Summary

Fort Mill Schools are inviting community members to provide input in the search for a new superintendent following Dr. Chuck Epps’ upcoming retirement. A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, allowing parents, teachers, and residents to express their thoughts on leadership qualities needed for the next superintendent. Dr. Epps, who served 15 years, will transition into a support role after his retirement to ensure a smooth handover. Recent trends in leadership turnover in South Carolina’s educational landscape raise concerns about stability.

Fort Mill Schools Open Up the Floor for Input on New Superintendent Search

Fort Mill, a vibrant community in South Carolina, is stepping into a pivotal moment as it embarks on a search for a new superintendent. This comes on the heels of an *exciting* announcement regarding Dr. Chuck Epps’ upcoming retirement after an impressive 45-year tenure with the Fort Mill School District.

As the district prepares to bid farewell to Dr. Epps, who has been at the helm of leadership for 15 years, the school board is keen on involving public opinion in this important decision. To facilitate community participation, an educational leadership search firm, BWP and Associates, is helping to gather feedback. They are hosting a public meeting on Thursday night, starting at 6 p.m. at the District Training and Support Center located at the district office. This gathering is the perfect opportunity for parents, teachers, and community members to voice their thoughts on what they hope to see in the next leader of Fort Mill Schools.

A Legacy of Excellence

Dr. Epps has certainly made his mark on the educational landscape of Fort Mill. Over the years, he has worn many hats—from teacher’s aide and coach to principal and superintendent. Under his watchful eye, he has played a pivotal role in *doubling the size* of the Fort Mill School District while ensuring it remains one of the *top-performing districts* in South Carolina. His dedication has been a cornerstone of the district’s success, and it’s clear that he will be greatly missed.

Following his retirement slated for late June, Dr. Epps will not be disappearing completely. He plans to take on a support role until December 2025 to help ease the transition for the incoming superintendent, ensuring that the district continues to operate smoothly during this change.

Shifts in South Carolina Education Leadership

Interestingly, Dr. Epps’ retirement isn’t an isolated event. In the past month alone, three out of four public school superintendents in York County have announced their retirements. This has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations about leadership turnover in the area. Tommy Schmolze from the Rock Hill School District retired at the end of January, followed by Dr. Epps, and just last week, Kelly Coxe from the York School District announced her impending departure.

These recent retirements are considered unusual, especially for a region known for its *stable educational leadership*. The president of the South Carolina Education Association has stressed the importance of consistent leadership for the stability of schools. Parents and educators worry that such a wave of changes could impact the quality of education that students receive.

External Pressures and Personal Choices

It’s worth noting that the reasons behind these retirements are varied. With the increasing pressure from politics and heightened public scrutiny, many educational leaders are feeling the strain. However, Dr. Epps has indicated that politics did not play a role in his decision to retire; rather, it was simply a matter of personal timing. After contemplating retirement since hitting the milestone age of 70, he looks forward to spending his newfound free time traveling and enjoying various pursuits.

Interestingly, the timing of these retirements seems oddly synchronized. There is often a March 1 deadline for notifying superintendents about returning for the next school year, which could explain why several leaders made their retirement announcements around the same time.

Community Input is Key

As Fort Mill gears up for this significant leadership change, public input is more crucial than ever. The upcoming meeting offers a *wonderful chance* for the community to share their priorities and expectations for the new superintendent. It’s an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of education in Fort Mill, ensuring that it remains a place where students can thrive and succeed.

Mark your calendars for Thursday night and help the Fort Mill School District find a new leader who can carry on the legacy of excellence established by Dr. Epps!

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Additional Resources

• WSOC TV: Public Invited to Meeting About Superintendent Search for Fort Mill Schools
• WCNC: Fort Mill Superintendent Retirement
• Post and Courier: Rock Hill Fort Mill Schools Superintendent Epps Retires
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Superintendent
• Google News: Fort Mill Superintendent Search