News Summary
Dr. Eric Bracy, the Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools, has been named a finalist for the superintendent position at Rock Hill School District. His leadership has resulted in significant achievements in educational growth during the pandemic. Alongside him are finalists Dr. Deborah Elder and Dr. Joshua P. Starr, who bring diverse experiences to the role. A public presentation on March 15 will allow community members to engage with all candidates, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership in shaping future educational standards.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Dr. Eric Bracy, the current Superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) in North Carolina, has been named a finalist for the superintendent position at Rock Hill School District. The announcement came on Wednesday, reflecting the ongoing search for leadership within the district.
Dr. Bracy has served as the head of JCPS since July 1, 2020, where his leadership has been marked by significant achievements in educational growth, particularly in overcoming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, JCPS has consistently exceeded growth benchmarks, and the district was recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as a top-performing district during the last academic year. Additionally, Dr. Bracy received the honor of being named Superintendent of the Year by the Central Carolina Regional Education Service Alliance earlier this year.
Alongside Dr. Bracy, the other finalists for the superintendent role at Rock Hill School District include Dr. Deborah Elder and Dr. Joshua P. Starr. Dr. Elder serves as the Deputy/Chief Operating Officer of the Iowa Department of Education and has been in this position since 2024. During her tenure, she notably improved the state performance grades of schools she oversaw from a D to an A. Her experience also includes leading magnet and charter schools in Albuquerque Public Schools prior to her current role.
Dr. Joshua P. Starr, the third finalist, brings a diverse background to the table, having started his career as a teacher in Brooklyn, where he focused on supporting students with severe emotional disturbances. Starr has held leadership positions in both nonprofit and corporate education sectors, including serving as the CEO of nonprofit PDK International and as a managing partner for the Center for Model Schools.
The Rock Hill School District, located approximately 20 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina, serves around 16,300 students across 24 schools. The district employs approximately 2,400 staff members, making it the second largest school district in York, South Carolina. On Thursday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Bracy, Dr. Elder, and Dr. Starr will meet with district citizens and staff at the Rock Hill Schools District Office for a public presentation, allowing community members to engage with the finalists and voice their opinions.
As the current landscape of education continues to evolve, leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of school districts. Each candidate brings distinct experiences and insights that are likely to influence the direction of the Rock Hill School District significantly. The outcome of this search is critical for the district, particularly as it aims to navigate post-pandemic educational challenges and continue fostering student growth and success.
Dr. Bracy’s leadership experience at JCPS, paired with the strong advancements made during his tenure, positions him as a fierce contender for the Rock Hill Superintendent role. The decision regarding the new superintendent will lay the groundwork for the district’s future educational vision and objectives.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Dr. Eric Bracy Named Finalist for Superintendent
- Wikipedia: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- JoCo Report: Dr. Eric Bracy Named Finalist
- Google Search: Rock Hill School District
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Stepping Down
- Google Scholar: Educational Leadership
- WCNC: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Resigns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Leadership
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Retires
- Google News: Superintendent Search Rock Hill
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.
