Williamsburg County, January 8, 2026
The Williamsburg County School District (WCSD) is prioritizing community involvement in the selection of its next superintendent. The district launched a survey for parents, staff, and community members to share their input on desired qualities for the leadership role. This inclusive process showcases the importance of transparency and local engagement in shaping educational governance, demonstrating a return to local decision-making after years of state control. Community meet-and-greet events are also scheduled to foster interaction between finalists and stakeholders.
Columbia, SC – In an exemplary display of civic engagement and commitment to local governance, the Williamsburg County School District (WCSD) is actively involving its community in the crucial process of selecting its next superintendent. This transparent approach, which prioritizes the voices of teachers, staff, parents, and community members, offers valuable insights into fostering robust leadership and community growth, a model worth noting for communities across South Carolina, including the Richland County community.
The selection of a school district superintendent represents a pivotal moment for any community, directly impacting the educational trajectory and future prospects of its youth. WCSD’s deliberate efforts to ensure broad participation underscore the benefits of local decision-making and personal initiative in strengthening public institutions. Such an open process reflects a commitment to empowering local stakeholders, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles, and building a foundation of trust essential for effective leadership in public education.
Empowering Local Education: WCSD’s Transparent Search
The Williamsburg County School District has embraced a comprehensive and transparent process for identifying its next leader. The WCSD Board of Trustees initiated the search by launching a survey, actively inviting parents, students, staff, and community members to contribute their perspectives on the desired qualities, skills, and priorities for the incoming superintendent. This initial step of gathering diverse input was designed to ensure that the selection process genuinely reflected the aspirations and needs of those directly served by the district. The deadline for completing this important survey was Tuesday, September 10, 2025.
The overarching process for the superintendent search is structured to maximize community collaboration. It includes several key stages: gathering stakeholder input, advertising the position, rigorously reviewing applications for qualifications, conducting virtual interviews with a narrowed pool of 8-12 candidates in executive session to protect their privacy, publicly announcing the final candidates, and then proceeding with extensive interviews. A critical component of this transparency involves hosting community and school meetings, providing opportunities for everyone to meet the finalists directly. The process culminates with the Board’s selection and contract negotiation for the new superintendent.
Meet the Future Leaders: Community Engagement Events
As part of this inclusive process, the Williamsburg County School District scheduled “Superintendent Finalists’ Visits and Community Meet and Greet Opportunities.” These events are designed to allow teachers, staff, parents, and community members to engage directly with the leading candidates in an informal, drop-in setting.
The district publicly announced two finalists for the superintendent position. Ms. Sharonda Murrell was scheduled to meet the community on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and Dr. Lamont Moore is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026. Given the current date, Ms. Murrell’s meet-and-greet event has already taken place, while Dr. Moore’s is upcoming, offering a continued opportunity for community interaction.
The community meet-and-greet schedule for both finalist dates was consistent across multiple locations within Williamsburg County. These opportunities were provided in the Hemingway Community at Hemingway Elementary School’s Media Center, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Further events were held in the Greeleyville Community at C.E. Murray Middle School’s Media Center, from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Concluding the daily schedule, the Kingstree Community hosted events at Kingstree High School’s Media Center, from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m..
The Value of Shared Vision and Accountability
These meet-and-greet events are more than just formalities; they are foundational to building a shared vision for the district’s future. By facilitating direct interaction, the WCSD empowers its community to understand the finalists’ philosophies and approaches to education. This level of engagement fosters a sense of collective ownership and ensures that the eventual leader is not only qualified but also aligned with the community’s values and expectations.
The district’s mission is clear: to prepare students for college, careers, and citizenship in a global society. A superintendent chosen through a process that emphasizes community input is more likely to uphold and advance this mission effectively, as they would be acutely aware of the community’s priorities and aspirations. This direct involvement cultivates accountability and strengthens the bond between the school system and the families it serves.
Reclaiming Local Control: A Model for South Carolina
A significant aspect of WCSD’s current superintendent search is its return to local control in selecting district leadership. For nearly seven years, the state was responsible for making the superintendent decision. This return to local autonomy has brought a sense of comfort and empowerment to many parents within the district, highlighting the profound impact of local choice in educational governance.
This commitment to local control serves as an encouraging example for other South Carolina gatherings and communities, including those in the Columbia SC area. It demonstrates that when communities are given the latitude to manage their affairs, particularly in critical areas like education, it can lead to increased engagement and a stronger sense of local responsibility and personal initiative. Dr. Angela Jacobs is currently serving as interim superintendent for the district.
Desired Qualities for Educational Stewardship
The WCSD Board of Trustees is seeking a superintendent who will robustly and successfully lead the district across various domains, including student learning, operations, human resources, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is expected to build upon the existing strengths of the Williamsburg County School District, with the goal of making it the preferred choice for families and a cornerstone for student success.
The desired qualifications include a current South Carolina Superintendent certification, with prior experience as a Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent being preferred. Candidates should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of curriculum and instruction, evidenced by a proven track record in improving student achievement. Furthermore, the district seeks a leader with proven district-wide leadership, encompassing knowledge of all facets of school district operations, including curriculum and instruction, facilities, finance, human resources, special education, technology, and communications. A visionary leader who can collaborate effectively with the Board and all stakeholders to achieve academic excellence, and a strong, approachable, transparent, and visible communicator within schools and the community are also highly desired.
The ongoing search and the community’s active participation underscore the belief that collective effort is paramount in shaping the future of public education, driving forward the mission to equip students for success in college, careers, and active citizenship.
Conclusion
The Williamsburg County School District’s proactive and inclusive approach to selecting its new superintendent serves as a powerful testament to the value of community engagement and local leadership in education. By involving teachers, staff, parents, and residents in this vital decision, WCSD exemplifies how transparent governance and personal initiative contribute to building robust educational systems and fostering overall community growth. These transparent processes, which encourage open dialogue and direct participation, offer valuable lessons for strengthening local institutions and enriching South Carolina gatherings. We encourage all residents, especially those within the Columbia SC events sphere and the wider Richland County community, to remain informed and actively engaged in their local school districts, recognizing that such collective efforts are the cornerstone of a thriving society and a brighter future for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events is the Williamsburg County School District holding?
Who are the superintendent finalists for WCSD?
When are the community meet-and-greet events for the finalists?
What is the schedule for the community meet-and-greet events?
What was the purpose of the initial survey in the superintendent search?
Who is the interim superintendent for Williamsburg County School District?
Key Features of the WCSD Superintendent Selection Process
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Input Survey | Launched by the Board of Trustees to gather feedback from parents, students, staff, and community members on desired superintendent qualities and priorities. |
| Transparent Process Steps | Includes stakeholder input, application posting, qualification review, virtual interviews (in Executive Session), public naming of finalists, interviews with finalists, and community meet-and-greet events. |
| Finalists Announced | Ms. Sharonda Murrell and Dr. Lamont Moore were publicly announced as the two superintendent finalists. |
| Community Meet & Greet Events | Opportunities for teachers, staff, parents, and community members to meet finalists in an informal, drop-in setting across Hemingway, Greeleyville, and Kingstree communities. |
| Return to Local Control | The district’s ability to select its own superintendent, a shift after nearly seven years of state decision-making, fosters a sense of local empowerment. |
| Desired Superintendent Qualities | Seeking a leader with SC Superintendent certification (preferred prior experience), in-depth knowledge of curriculum, proven district-wide leadership, and strong, transparent communication skills. |
| Interim Leadership | Dr. Angela Jacobs is currently serving as interim superintendent during the selection period. |
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