News Summary
The Fort Mill School District has announced the selection of three finalists for the superintendent position following an extensive search process. The candidates include Jason Johns, Mary Stratos, and Grey Young, each bringing unique experience and leadership skills to the role. A community engagement event is scheduled for May 19, allowing the finalists to interact with stakeholders. Current Superintendent Chuck Epps is set to retire soon, marking a significant transition for the district as it seeks a new leader to enhance educational experiences and partnerships.
Fort Mill, SC – The Fort Mill School District announced on May 14, 2025, the selection of three finalists for the superintendent position, following an extensive search process managed by BWP & Associates. This decision comes as the district prepares for the upcoming retirement of Chuck Epps, the current superintendent, who has held the role for 15 years and worked with the district for a total of 40 years.
The finalists for the superintendent position are:
- Jason Johns – Currently the superintendent of Anderson School District 2 and a former principal at Nation Ford High School.
- Mary Stratos – Chief instructional officer for Beaufort County School District with over two decades of experience in education.
- Grey Young – Assistant superintendent for student services and administration within Fort Mill School District.
This selection of candidates follows interviews conducted with six highly qualified individuals, highlighting the district’s commitment to finding the best leader for its schools. The chosen superintendent will be the fourth leader in the Fort Mill School District since the late 1990s, underscoring the importance of stability in school leadership.
The finalists will participate in a community engagement event scheduled for May 19, 2025. This “Day in the District” will involve visits to local schools, providing an opportunity for each candidate to interact with students, staff, and community members. The day will conclude with a public meet-and-greet at the Nation Ford High auditorium at 4 p.m., allowing community members to learn more about the candidates and their visions for the district.
Jason Johns, one of the finalists, has a rich history within Fort Mill, having begun his teaching career in Rock Hill. Throughout his career, he has undertaken various leadership roles, culminating in his tenure as principal of Nation Ford High School, where the school received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon award under his leadership. His local background positions him favorably among stakeholders who value familiarity with the community.
Mary Stratos has been serving as the chief instructional officer for Beaufort County School District since 2019. With her extensive experience spanning over 20 years in educational roles, predominantly in Florida, she has developed strong instructional programs focused on enhancing student success. Her candidacy brings a wealth of knowledge in instructional leadership.
Grey Young has dedicated over 20 years of service to Fort Mill, advancing through the ranks from a high school teacher to assistant principal and principal. Currently overseeing student services and administration, he was recently recognized as the district-level administrator of the year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. His long-standing commitment and recognition in the field reflect positively on his candidacy.
The announcement of Chuck Epps’ retirement was made during a February board meeting, initiating the search for his successor. Epps plans to assist the new superintendent throughout the remainder of 2025 to ensure a seamless transition of leadership, allowing for continuity as the district prepares for future challenges and opportunities.
As the Fort Mill School District moves forward with this search, the community remains hopeful that the selected candidate will continue to build on the successes of the district, enhancing educational experiences for students and fostering a strong partnership with families and staff.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Fort Mill School District Superintendent Finalists
- Wikipedia: Fort Mill School District
- Post and Courier: Fort Mill Schools Superintendent Finalists
- Google Search: Fort Mill Superintendent
- WSOC TV: Rock Hill Fort Mill Superintendent Search Process
- Google Scholar: Fort Mill Education
- WBTV: Fort Mill Superintendent Retirement Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Superintendent
