June 13, 2025

Heath Branham Appointed Superintendent of York School District

News Summary

Heath Branham has been appointed as the new superintendent of the York School District, effective July 1. The school board unanimously selected him for his extensive experience in educational leadership, including roles in local and state positions. Branham will receive an annual salary of $200,000 along with relocation benefits and allowances. This decision follows the retirement of the previous superintendent, Kelly Coxe, as the district undergoes significant changes in leadership.

York, South Carolina – Heath Branham Appointed New Superintendent of York School District

The York School District has appointed Heath Branham as the new superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. Following a unanimous decision by the school board in a special meeting on May 22, 2025, Branham will lead the district under a three-year contract that will pay him an annual salary of $200,000. This amount is subject to future performance reviews which could allow for salary adjustments.

Contract Details and Benefits

In addition to the salary, the district will offer Branham a temporary housing rental stipend of $9,000 until he establishes permanent residency in York by the end of 2025. He is also eligible for up to $9,000 to aid in relocating his family, which he will submit for board approval. The district has planned to cover his membership dues for professional organizations and provide him with a $900 monthly allowance for automobile expenses, including maintenance.

Furthermore, Branham will have access to reimbursements for reasonable work-related expenses and will be provided with a smartphone and laptop, which can be used for both professional and reasonable personal use.

Background and Experience

Branham brings extensive experience in education, having begun his career in the 1990s as a teacher before advancing through various leadership roles. His career includes positions as assistant principal and principal, and he has served as an adjunct instructor at both Piedmont Technical College and Newberry College. Since 2005, he has worked for Lexington One School District, initially as a principal and later as the director of elementary schools.

In addition to his work in local schools, Branham has held significant leadership positions at a state level. He served as the senior vice president of South Carolina’s school turnaround program and was the national director of school improvement at EdisonLearning. For the past six years, he has been the principal at Centerville Elementary School in Gilbert, South Carolina.

Selection Process

Branham was selected from a pool of candidates that included two other finalists, Shane Goodwin and Rodney Graves. His appointment follows the retirement announcement of Kelly Coxe, who has served as the superintendent for approximately six years. The decision to appoint Branham is part of broader changes within York County’s schools, as three superintendents were appointed across different districts in a short timeframe.

Comparative Salary Context

Branham’s salary of $200,000 is notably lower than that of his counterparts in nearby districts, with Rock Hill Superintendent Deborah Elder earning $275,000 and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Crystal Hill‘s salary at $300,000. While Branham’s compensation is below these figures, the potential for salary adjustments based on performance highlights the district’s commitment to incentivizing effective leadership.

The York School District community anticipates Branham’s arrival and the initiatives he will implement, drawing on his extensive background in educational leadership. With his first day set on July 1, 2025, the district is poised for a new chapter under his guidance.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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