News Summary
The Rock Hill School District Board of Trustees has named Deborah Elder as their preferred candidate for superintendent. Elder, currently Iowa’s chief operating officer for education, could finalize her contract by May 28, following negotiations. With over 30 years of experience in education and a track record of improving school performance, she aims to stabilize leadership in the district. Elder’s appointment comes after Tommy Schmolze’s retirement and reflects ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes for the community.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – The Rock Hill School District Board of Trustees announced that they have selected Deborah Elder as their preferred candidate for the position of superintendent. Elder is currently the chief operating officer of the Iowa Department of Education and has received unanimous support from the board for her candidacy. The board intends to initiate contract negotiations with Elder, and if these negotiations are successful, her contract could be approved at the board’s next meeting on May 28.
Elder has been the second-highest leader in Iowa’s education department since 2024 and brings over 30 years of experience in various educational roles. Her extensive background includes positions such as interim superintendent, chief academic officer, principal, and elementary school teacher. During her tenure as a principal, she significantly improved her school’s state performance grade from a “D” to an “A,” demonstrating her ability to drive educational success. Additionally, Elder has served as the executive director of innovation and school choice for Albuquerque Public Schools, where she managed both magnet and charter schools.
Elder’s appointment follows the retirement of Tommy Schmolze, who stepped down at the end of January 2025 after serving as superintendent since 2021. Schmolze has had a lengthy career in education, spanning more than 32 years. His resignation was unanimously accepted by the school board, marking a significant transition for the district.
The announcement of a new superintendent comes as the Rock Hill School District has undergone multiple leadership changes in recent years. The board’s decision signifies a continued effort to stabilize leadership and enhance educational outcomes, ensuring that the district can effectively meet the needs of its students and community.
Deborah Elder holds 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. Furthermore, she has obtained a doctorate in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California. Her educational qualifications and diverse administrative experience equip her with a solid foundation to lead the Rock Hill School District.
The Rock Hill community anticipates Elder’s potential contributions, particularly in light of the district’s recent challenges and changes. Her proven track record in educational leadership and innovation positions her as a strong candidate to guide and inspire the district’s teachers and students towards success.
As the board prepares for discussions regarding Elder’s contract, school district stakeholders are hopeful for a smooth transition and a collaborative approach encompassing the needs of all involved parties. The upcoming meeting on May 28 will be crucial in finalizing Elder’s appointment as the new superintendent of Rock Hill School District.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Schools Reveals Finalist to Become New Superintendent
- Wikipedia: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Schools Deborah Elder Superintendent
- Google Search: Rock Hill School District
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Stepping Down
- Google Scholar: Deborah Elder Education
- JoCo Report: Dr. Eric Bracy Named Finalist for Superintendent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill School District
- WCNC: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Resigns
- Google News: Rock Hill Schools
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.
