News Summary
The York School District has announced three finalists for the superintendent position after interviews were conducted in late April. Heath Branham, Shane Goodwin, and Rodney Graves have been selected due to their significant experience in educational leadership. A community meet and greet event will take place on May 13, allowing residents to interact with the candidates. This search process is crucial as the district prepares for a leadership transition with the retirement of Superintendent Kelly Coxe, who has held the position since 2019.
York, South Carolina – The York School District has announced three finalists for the position of superintendent following a series of interviews held in late April. The school board has approved the candidates: Heath Branham, Shane Goodwin, and Rodney Graves, who each bring substantial experience in educational leadership.
A community meet and greet event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Harold C. Johnson Elementary School. This event will provide an opportunity for community members to interact with the finalists. On the same day, the candidates will tour local schools and meet with staff members, giving them a chance to engage with the district’s culture and priorities.\
Board Chair Scott Childers expressed his confidence in the selected finalists, citing their qualifications as impressive. The new superintendent is set to replace Kelly Coxe, who is retiring at the end of the current school year after serving as superintendent since 2019. The process to find a new superintendent began in February after Coxe announced her plans to retire.
Finalist Profiles
Heath Branham currently serves as the principal at Centerville Elementary School in Gilbert, South Carolina. His career in education spans several roles, beginning as a teacher and progressing to leadership positions. Branham has held the position of principal in multiple elementary schools and later became the director of elementary schools for Lexington District One. He also served as the senior vice president for South Carolina’s school turnaround program while at the South Carolina Department of Education and EdisonLearning. His national experience includes working as the director of school improvement for EdisonLearning.
Shane Goodwin is currently the assistant superintendent for Frederick County Public Schools in Winchester, Virginia. He oversees a variety of principals and departments. Goodwin has a significant background in South Carolina’s education system, having spent 22 years with the Rock Hill School District, where he worked in various roles including principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher. Additionally, he has experience as a director of human resources and communication in Virginia.
Rodney Graves serves as the director of employee and community relations for Lancaster County School District in South Carolina. Throughout his career, he has held positions such as principal, assistant principal, athletic director, and coach. Graves has received several accolades for his leadership, including being named the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association Principal of the Year in 2018. His diverse experience in educational administration showcases his commitment to fostering a positive school environment.
Context of the Superintendent Search
The search for a new superintendent comes at a pivotal time for the York School District, as three out of the four school districts in York County are currently seeking new leadership. The district is focused on continuity and improvement in administrative oversight as it transitions from current Superintendent Kelly Coxe’s leadership.
The search process has highlighted the importance of community involvement. The scheduled meet and greet aims to encourage public engagement and ensure that the chosen candidate aligns with the values and expectations of families and staff within the York community.
The finalists’ diverse backgrounds and rich experience in education offer promise for the future leadership of the York School District. With the meet and greet event approaching, community members are encouraged to participate and learn more about the individuals who may influence the educational landscape in York.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: York School District Superintendent
- Google Search: York School District Superintendent
- Post and Courier: Superintendent Finalists
- Google Scholar: York School District
- WSOC TV: York School District Search for New Superintendent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Superintendent
- MSN: York School District Finalists
- Google News: York Superintendent Search
