February 12, 2025

Leadership Change in Fort Mill Schools: What’s Next?

News Summary

Chuck Epps, the superintendent of the Fort Mill School District in South Carolina, has announced his retirement after 15 years in the role, with his last day on June 30. Epps has nearly 49 years of experience in education, reflecting a deep commitment to the community. Under his leadership, the district has managed significant growth, with student enrollment increasing by 10 percent annually. As new construction projects, including Flint Hill Elementary and Middle schools, are underway, concerns have arisen over a nearby solar panel plant’s potential health risks. The district is also developing an early childhood center as part of a broader educational investment. Epps leaves behind a legacy focused on quality education and community engagement.

Fort Mill: Leadership Change in Local Schools

In the charming town of Fort Mill, South Carolina, a significant transition is unfolding in the education sector as another schools superintendent announces retirement. Chuck Epps, who has been a dedicated leader in the Fort Mill School District for an impressive 15 years, revealed his plans to step down at a recent school board meeting. His last working day will be June 30, and he will continue to offer his expertise as a consultant during the transition period for his successor.

A Long Journey of Service

Chuck Epps has devoted nearly 49 years of his career in education, with most of that time spent in Fort Mill. Reflecting on his long-standing commitment to the community, he shared feelings of appreciation for the opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration over the years. Epps’ tenure as superintendent has not only been about leadership; it’s been about community engagement and building a shared vision for quality education. His roots in the district run deep, as Epps himself attended school in Fort Mill.

Impact on Local Education

Leaving the role of superintendent, Epps has built up the Fort Mill School District while it faces an uptick in student enrollment. Current projections indicate the district’s student population is growing at a rate of 10 percent annually, a trend that could result in existing schools reaching their full capacity by 2028. To address this growth, the district is actively working on the construction of Flint Hill Elementary and Flint Hill Middle schools, with the elementary school expected to open its doors by this fall.

Community Concerns

As Fort Mill continues developing, residents are raising concerns about a new solar panel plant named Silfab, which is scheduled to open just north of the school sites. Parents and local families are worried about health risks linked to the manufacturing processes, which involve substances like silane and hydrochloric acid. Many feel that such operations would be better suited for a heavy-industrial area rather than the current light-industrial zone that borders educational properties. This ongoing dispute underscores the community’s desire to ensure a safe environment for children.

New Projects on the Horizon

In addition to addressing the challenges of growth, Fort Mill is also investing in its future with the establishment of an early childhood development center. This initiative is taking place on 34 donated acres in the Paradise community near downtown Fort Mill. This development is part of a broader $204 million bond referendum that the community supported last year, demonstrating the district’s commitment to prioritizing education at every level.

Chuck Epps’s leadership has been marked by efforts like the early childhood center, showing how much the district values enriching educational experiences from the very start of a child’s learning journey. His legacy will undoubtedly influence the district as it continues to grow and evolve.

Looking Ahead

As the Fort Mill community prepares for the transition to new district leadership, the focus remains on maintaining the standard of education and meeting the needs of its growing student body. With Epps set to step back, the district will be looking to its next leader to guide it through the exciting challenges yet to come.

While change is always a little bittersweet, the optimistic spirit of Fort Mill shines through in its eagerness to embrace new leadership and the continuing support of its residents. It’s a community that understands the value of education and is committed to nurturing its future.

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Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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