The Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD) hosted a community reception event, Saturday afternoon, in which its three finalists for district superintendent had a chance to present themselves to stakeholders.
School administrators, board members and parents gathered in Aiken High School’s new auditorium at 1 p.m. to hear presentations from the potential school district leaders, followed by an informal meet-and-greet.
“The board thought it was important to give the public an opportunity to see the three people that we’re considering,” said Cameron Nuessle, school board chair. “Get to know them… in a casual environment.”
Nuessle has said that one of the throughlines in the vast number of responses from the community, gathered through community input meetings and online surveys, was a concern about student behavior.
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Chan Anderson, the one candidate who hails from outside ACPSD’s administration, spoke to his record as the current superintendent of Chesterfield County, S.C.’s school district. He cited that the average of middle and high schools in Chesterfield County dropped from more than 300, over five consecutive years, to 95 fights by the end of the school year after which he became superintendent.
He also mentioned that Chesterfield County Schools’ state report card score was 53% when he took over, and is now at 86%.
“The school district, the community, all stakeholders, parents, it’s our job to make sure that our students cross the finish line,” Anderson said. “It’s our job to make sure that our employees have the support that they need to get the job done. It’s about adding value to people. I’ve done it and I’m going to continue to do it.”
Finalist Amy Edwards is ACPSD’s chief instructional officer. In her address, she underscored her experience in high poverty areas during her 25-year career in South Carolina school administration.
“No matter your profession, know your story,” said Edwards, explaining her motivation through a story about two students who become friends, “A,” who grows up in poverty, and “B,” who is raised in affluence.
The two earn football college scholarships and are to meet one another’s families for dinner to celebrate, but “A” is too embarrassed to invite “B” to his home.
Edwards revealed that this is the story of her father, and an illustration of why she has a passion for helping burdened students succeed.
“My story led me to my true passion, making a difference in the lives of others,” she said. “Through my work in public education, I can positively impact the lives of students, teachers, school leaders and their parents …This is my story. It took me a long time to know it. But the day I dug deep enough to find it. I found myself.”
Corey Murphy, who is currently the ACPSD’s chief officer of operations and student services, also emphasized his humble beginnings in Duncan, S.C. He recalled when his third-grade teacher recommended he attend another elementary school in the Spartanburg district, Pine Street School, once a week for advancement and enrichment.
He remembered how different the quality of education and support was in the wealthier schools, and how his friends at his own school, Park Hills Elementary School, would not get the same opportunity he received.
“It sparked in me a fire to want to make that chance, that opportunity, equal for everyone,” Murphy said. “Every child deserves that chance.”
While feedback from the community was an element in the selection process, Saturday’s event was largely about transparency, Nuessle said.
“We’re proud of these finalists and we want you to come out and meet them before we even select the next superintendent,” he said.
While the school board has still not announced a date for when it will choose its new superintendent, Nuessle stated that board members will deliberate and make the selection as soon as possible after final interviews on Feb. 6.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
