News Summary
The Rock Hill School District has unveiled three finalists for its superintendent position following the resignation of Tommy Schmolze. The finalists are Dr. Eric Bracy, Dr. Deborah Elder, and Dr. Joshua Starr, each bringing a wealth of experience in educational leadership. The community is invited to meet the finalists at an upcoming event, emphasizing public engagement as the district prepares for this significant transition in leadership. A final decision will be made at the board meeting scheduled for June.
Rock Hill Announces Finalists for Superintendent Position
The Rock Hill School District has narrowed down its search for a new superintendent to three finalists: Dr. Eric Bracy, Dr. Deborah Elder, and Dr. Joshua Starr. This decision comes following the resignation of former superintendent Tommy Schmolze and the current interim leadership of John Jones.
Community involvement is encouraged as the district hosts an event where residents can meet the finalists in person. This event is scheduled for Thursday, March 15th, at 6:30 p.m. and will take place at the District Office located at 386 East Black St.
Finalist Profiles
Dr. Eric Bracy
Dr. Eric Bracy currently serves as the superintendent of Johnston County Public Schools in North Carolina. With 17 years of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Bracy has successfully led three different school districts. Under his guidance, Johnston County Public Schools surpassed growth benchmarks post-pandemic and was recognized as one of the top-performing districts by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction during the previous academic year. Additionally, he was honored as the Central Carolina Regional Education Service Alliance Superintendent of the Year in 2024.
Dr. Deborah Elder
Dr. Deborah Elder functions as the deputy/chief operating officer of the Iowa Department of Education and has actively served in various educational roles including interim superintendent and principal. Notably, as a principal, she significantly improved her school’s performance grade from a D to an A. Dr. Elder has also contributed to Albuquerque Public Schools, overseeing innovative educational strategies and school choice initiatives.
Dr. Joshua Starr
Dr. Joshua Starr brings a wealth of experience across various educational sectors, including teaching, district leadership, and nonprofit work. His career trajectory started as a teacher for students with severe emotional disturbances in Brooklyn. Dr. Starr has also held leadership positions, serving as the CEO of PDK International and later as a managing partner at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, where he focused on driving improvement efforts for school leaders.
Transition of Leadership
The search for a new superintendent began after Tommy Schmolze’s resignation, prompting the board to seek qualified leaders who can guide the district forward. John Jones is filling in as the interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is appointed. The final decision regarding the new superintendent will be made during the scheduled board meeting on June 2.
Conclusion
The Rock Hill School District emphasizes community engagement during this pivotal transition. By providing an opportunity for the public to interact with the candidates, the board seeks to ensure that the new leadership aligns with the expectations and needs of the community. With the appointment set for early June, the district is poised to move forward following this important decision.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rock Hill Schools Announces Superintendent Finalists
Rock Hill School Community Advocates for Principal Moton
Protests Erupt Over Principal Departures in Rock Hill Schools
Dr. Eric Bracy Named Finalist for Rock Hill School District Superintendent
Protests Erupt Over Principal Departures in Rock Hill
Rock Hill Schools Selects Finalists for Superintendent Position
Eric Bracy Named Finalist for Rock Hill School District Leadership
Dr. Eric Bracy Finalist for Rock Hill School District Superintendent
Former Police Officer Convicted of Child Exploitation in Schools
Winthrop University Students Excel in Innovation Challenge
Additional Resources
- JoCo Report: Dr. Eric Bracy Named Finalist for Superintendent
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Announces Finalists for Superintendent Position
- Restoration News Media: Bracy Could Leave Johnston for South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Search Finalists
- Restoration News Media: Candidate Faults School Board for Pre-K Cuts
- Google Search: Rock Hill Schools Superintendent
