News Summary
Rock Hill Schools has narrowed down its search for a new superintendent to three final candidates from out of state. This decision follows the resignation of former superintendent Tommy Schmolze. The finalists include educators from North Carolina, Iowa, and Maryland, each with extensive experience in leadership roles within education. A meet-and-greet event will allow community members to engage with the candidates before a decision is made at the upcoming board meeting.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Rock Hill Schools has announced its final candidates in the search for a new superintendent, narrowing the field to three out-of-state educators following the resignation of former superintendent Tommy Schmolze.
The candidates selected come from North Carolina, Iowa, and Maryland, each bringing a wealth of experience and leadership in education. The decision to pursue new candidates arose after Schmolze’s resignation was made official during a board meeting on January 28, and he officially stepped down on January 31. In the interim, John Jones has taken on the role of acting superintendent.
The three finalists for the superintendent position include:
- Eric C. Bracy: Currently the superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools in North Carolina, Bracy has 17 years of experience in the role, including over six years with Sampson County Schools. His achievements in education were recognized when he was named the 2024 Central Carolina Regional Education Service Alliance Superintendent of the Year. Bracy holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s in education administration and supervision, and a doctorate in educational leadership.
- Deborah Elder: Serving as the deputy/chief operating officer of the Iowa Department of Education, Elder brings with her 30 years of experience in the educational sector. In her current position, she oversees a budget of $5.1 billion for Iowa’s educational system. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s in curriculum, and a doctorate in organizational change and leadership.
- Joshua P. Starr: Starr’s extensive background includes serving as superintendent in both Montgomery County, Maryland, and Stamford, Connecticut. He started his career as a global studies teacher in Brooklyn and has held various nonprofit and corporate roles, including CEO of PDK International. He possesses degrees in English and history, special education, and a doctorate in administration, planning, and social policy.
On May 15, the district organized a meet-and-greet event at its office on 386 E. Black St. for community members to interact with the finalists and learn more about their leadership styles and visions for the school district.
The search process was facilitated by the Zeal Education Group, a firm based in Delaware, which specializes in education leadership placements. Candidates submitted their applications until April 20. The Rock Hill Board of Trustees reviewed the applicants in a meeting held on April 29 before narrowing down the list to three finalists.
The school district plans to appoint the new superintendent at its upcoming board meeting on June 2. Rock Hill Schools serves approximately 16,300 students across 24 schools and has a workforce of around 2,400 employees, making it the second largest school district in York County.
This transition comes at a crucial time for the district as it seeks to maintain its educational standards and address the evolving needs of its students and staff. The appointment of a new superintendent is expected to be a pivotal step in shaping the future direction of education within the Rock Hill community.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Search Finalists
- Wikipedia: Superintendent of Schools
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Search Finalists
- Google Search: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent
- JoCo Report: Dr. Eric Bracy Named Finalist for Superintendent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WSOC TV: Superintendent Search Process in Rock Hill
- Google News: Rock Hill Education
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.
