News Summary
The York School District has named three finalists for the upcoming superintendent position following the announcement of current Superintendent Kelly Coxe’s retirement. Heath Branham, Shane Goodwin, and Rodney Graves will be visiting York to tour schools and engage with the community. This transition marks an important moment for the district as they seek a leader to continue the positive momentum established under Coxe’s administration.
York, South Carolina – Three Finalists Named for Superintendent Position Amid Leadership Transition
The York School District has announced three finalists for the role of superintendent following the retirement announcement of current Superintendent Kelly Coxe, who will depart at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The candidates, selected by the school board during a meeting held on May 6, 2025, are Heath Branham, Shane Goodwin, and Rodney Graves.
Branham is currently the principal at Centerville Elementary School in Gilbert. He has accumulated a wealth of experience in educational leadership, having previously held positions with Hobsons-Naviance Advantage, Wake Forest Advantage, and EdisonLearning. Goodwin serves as the assistant superintendent for Frederick County Public Schools in Northern Virginia and brings over two decades of experience in various educational roles, including principal, assistant principal, and teacher in Rock Hill Schools. Meanwhile, Graves is the director of employee and community relations for Lancaster County School District, drawing on his extensive experience as a high school principal, administrator, and coach.
The finalists are scheduled to visit York on May 13, where they will tour schools and meet staff members. A community meeting is also planned for that day at Harold C. Johnson Elementary School, allowing parents and students the opportunity to interact with the candidates and learn more about their vision for the district.
Transition in Leadership
The impending retirement of Kelly Coxe, who has served as superintendent since 2019, marks a significant transition for the district. Since taking the helm, Coxe has overseen essential initiatives, including a swift transition to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully guiding the district in passing a $90 million bond for the construction of a new middle school. Her leadership has coincided with notable growth in the district’s student population, which has risen by 7.7% from 2020 to 2023, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
As Coxe prepares to leave, she joins other superintendents from nearby districts in announcing her retirement, including Tommy Schmolze of Rock Hill Schools and Chuck Epps of Fort Mill Schools. The York School Board is taking proactive steps in the search for a new superintendent, with plans for a special meeting on February 24 set to discuss hiring a firm to assist in the recruitment process.
Performance and Challenges
Under Coxe’s leadership, the York School District has maintained strong performance ratings, with no schools classified as unsatisfactory or below average according to state report card results. However, the growing student body presents challenges that will require effective and innovative leadership from the incoming superintendent.
The community’s engagement in the selection process reflects a desire for transparency and collaboration as the district embarks on a new chapter. With the introduction of finalists like Branham, Goodwin, and Graves, the York School Board aims to identify a leader who can build on the progress made during Coxe’s administration and address the future needs of the district.
The search for the next superintendent is a critical undertaking that highlights the importance of effective leadership in education, especially during periods of transition. The York School District community is encouraged to participate in the process, as the choice of superintendent will significantly impact students, parents, and staff for years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
York School District Announces Finalists for Superintendent Position
Leadership Changes in Fort Mill and Rock Hill Schools
York County Job Fair Scheduled for March 14, 2025
York County School Districts Experience Leadership Changes
York County Schools Face Major Leadership Shifts
Additional Resources
- Herald Online
- Wikipedia: Superintendent of Schools
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: York School District superintendent
- WSOCTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- WCNC
- Google News: York County schools
- York Dispatch
- Google Scholar: York School District
- FOX43
