Laurens District 55 seeks input in superintendent search

LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — Laurens County School District 55 is looking for its next superintendent and wants community input.

The South Carolina School Board Association (SCSBA), which is leading the search, is meeting with teachers, faculty and parent groups this week to hear what characteristics they want to see in the person who is hired.

SCSBA wanted to hear from community members Monday night, but no one attended the meeting. Only board members sat in the crowd.

Some board members explained what type of candidate they would like to hire.

“Somebody with integrity, dedication and determination,” Anthony Carpenter, the Seat 5 board member, said.

“Whoever that we hire should come focused with what the need is for the community and not wavering to the left or right,” Peggy Nance, the Seat 6 board member, said. “I am a Christian. I feel like whoever we elect should have something spiritual about them and can do the right thing. That’s very important.”

Carpenter said it is important that whoever is hired is representative of the entire district.

“We’re dealing with multi-ethnic groups,” Carpenter said. “Are we hiring enough people to represent them that look like them?”

Nance said she wants the next superintendent to keep students’ best interest in mind.

“That’s an important job that you are anticipated to come in,” she said. “Are you focusing your concerns on our children and our community? Getting a decent education for every child, not just a select few.”

There will be another community meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the district office.

The community is also invited to fill out an online survey regarding the superintendent search. To access it, click here.

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