Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Three Finalists Selected for Spartanburg Superintendent Position

Community members engaging in a discussion about school leadership in Spartanburg.

Article Sponsored by:

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

Spartanburg County School District 2 is preparing for a leadership transition as it narrows its search for a new superintendent to three finalists. With current superintendent Lance Radford retiring, the board aims to select a candidate who will continue the district’s positive trajectory. The finalists, Patrick Jarrett, Jason McCraw, and Tim Newman, come with strong educational backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences to the table. The selection process involved a competitive review of over 40 candidates, emphasizing community engagement in the decision-making process.

Exciting Times Ahead in Spartanburg: Three Finalists in Race for Superintendent

Spartanburg is buzzing with anticipation as the search for a new superintendent at Spartanburg County School District 2 has been narrowed down to just three finalists. This exciting development comes on the heels of the current superintendent, Lance Radford, announcing his plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, after a commendable seven-year stint in office.

Who Are the Finalists?

Let’s dive into the backgrounds of the candidates who made it to the final round. First up is Patrick Jarrett, the current principal of Hillcrest High School in Greenville County. Jarrett has been at the helm of Hillcrest since 2021 and has a solid track record. With a doctorate in education leadership from the University of South Carolina, he’s not just about theory—he’s been at the front lines, having served as principal or assistant principal at four different schools in Greenville County. Under his watch, Hillcrest High has experienced impressive growth: there has been a 9% increase in graduation rates and a whopping 17% rise in college and career readiness. Talk about making a difference!

Next, we have Jason McCraw, who is the assistant superintendent for operations in Spartanburg County School District 1. McCraw has a rich history in education as he navigated roles from being a principal at Landrum High School to taking on responsibilities as an assistant principal at Dorman High School’s freshman campus. He holds a master’s degree from Converse College and started his career as a science teacher, even coaching basketball and football along the way. His well-rounded experience may provide a unique perspective on how to manage a diverse school district.

Lastly, let’s not forget about Tim Newman, currently the superintendent of Darlington County School District since 2018. Newman is known for his ability to foster student growth and academic achievements during his tenure. Previously, he has also held key positions in both Orangeburg and Pickens counties, contributing to his well-rounded background in educational leadership.

The Selection Process

The selection process for these finalists was no walk in the park. The school board sifted through a highly competitive pool of over 40 candidates, interviewing nine before arriving at this trio. Now, the next step is crucial; the board plans to have the finalists meet with various groups from the community, including stakeholders and board members, before making a final decision. Engaging with the community is an essential part of the process, and it’s likely these candidates will want to hear what the people have to say.

What’s Next?

As the clock ticks down toward Radford’s retirement, one thing is clear: the board is committed to finding a candidate who will continue the district’s trajectory of success. Board chair Brandon McKillop underscores the importance of this role, recognizing that the next leader will help steer Spartanburg schools into a promising future.

It’s worth noting that this announcement comes at an interesting time for education in the region. Nearby Cherokee County recently faced a hiccup, as none of the candidates put forth in their superintendent search were selected. This makes Spartanburg County School District 2’s decisive action all the more noteworthy.

In the meantime, Radford will continue to serve in his position until the school year wraps up in 2025, providing a steady hand as the transition takes place. As we move forward in this search, the Spartanburg community eagerly awaits to see who will take the helm and further shape the success of their schools.