News Summary
Deborah Elder has been appointed as the new superintendent of the Rock Hill School District following a unanimous decision by the Board of Trustees. With over 30 years in education, Elder brings extensive experience from her role at the Iowa State Department of Education. Her appointment comes after a thorough selection process, with contract negotiations expected to finalize soon. The district looks forward to her leadership following the retirement of Tommy Schmolze.
Rock Hill, SC – Deborah Elder has been appointed as the new superintendent of the Rock Hill School District, a decision announced on May 20, 2025. Her selection is contingent upon successful contract negotiations slated for discussion at the board’s meeting on May 28, 2025.
The Rock Hill School District Board of Trustees made the unanimous decision to pursue contract negotiations with Elder following a thorough interview process involving three finalists. The vote was held on May 16, 2025, indicating strong support from board members for Elder’s candidacy.
Elder currently holds the position of deputy director and chief operating officer at the Iowa State Department of Education, serving as the second-ranking official in the department. She brings an extensive background in education with over 30 years of experience. Her role involves overseeing a significant $5.1 billion educational investment for Iowa taxpayers, which directly affects the education of more than 486,476 students in K-12 and approximately 86,000 students in community colleges.
Academically, Elder is well-qualified, holding a variety of degrees. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in curriculum, and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from the University of New Mexico. Additionally, she obtained a doctorate in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California, further enhancing her expertise in educational leadership.
Throughout her career, Elder has held numerous prominent roles within the educational sector. She has served as an interim superintendent, chief academic officer, and principal. Notably, during her tenure as a principal, she successfully led her school from a “D” to an “A” grade, demonstrating her ability to drive academic improvements. Furthermore, Elder worked as the executive director of innovation and school choice at Albuquerque Public Schools, where she had oversight of both magnet and charter schools.
Elder’s appointment will officially succeed Tommy Schmolze, who retired in January 2025. Schmolze held the superintendent role since 2021 and was instrumental in various initiatives within the district during his tenure.
The Rock Hill School District is now set to welcome what it hopes will be a transformative leadership era under Elder’s guidance. With a commitment to educational excellence and a strong background in operational management, she is expected to lead the district through its ongoing challenges and help foster a supportive learning environment for both students and educators.
As the school district prepares for the upcoming meeting to finalize contract terms, the community is eager to learn how Elder will apply her extensive knowledge and experience to enhance the educational landscape in Rock Hill.
In conclusion, with her array of qualifications and a proven track record in various educational leadership roles, Deborah Elder’s appointment as superintendent aims to bring innovation and improved performance to the Rock Hill School District.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- QC News
- Google Search: Rock Hill School District
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Deborah Elder superintendent
- News Break
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Superintendents
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.
