Real leadership isn't about making promises; it’s about delivering outcomes. Over the past term, we faced unique challenges; however, by keeping our focus strictly on students, we made meaningful progress.
There is still vital work left to do. Here is a look at what we have built together, and where we are heading next.
Supporting strong teachers
Fort Mill School District increased its starting teacher salary from roughly $47,000–$48,000 in the 2022-2023 period to $52,500 for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, we have passed and funded paid parental leave, additional personal days for teachers, and supportive intervention or coaching positions that help teachers capitalize on their talents.
Academic success
High Proficiency Rates (2025): The district-wide proficiency in ELA for grades 3-8 rose to over 80%, while Math proficiency improved from 68.2% to 69.4%.
Algebra EOC Scores: The percentage of students scoring a C or higher on the Algebra End-of-Course exam increased from 68.27% in 2023-24 to 74.52% in 2024-25.
Report Card Ratings (2025): All 3 high schools, 6 middle schools, and 6 elementary schools received an overall rating of "excellent," with 5 other elementary schools rated "good".
College/Career Prep: Nearly 70% of the Class of 2025 graduated with credits earned through AP, Dual Credit, or Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses.
State Ranking: FMSD was the top-ranked district in South Carolina for SC Ready ELA and Math proficiency in 2025.
Planning for district growth
After reviewing a ten-year facility study, Fort Mill Schools developed a plan for managing growth and meeting the needs of our students. Fort Mill voters approved a $204 million school bond referendum on March 19, 2024, to address the growth in enrollment. The bond funds a new middle school, a new early childhood development center, land acquisition, and facility upgrades.
Supporting great teachers and staff
Continuing to bring a teacher's perspective remains a priority for me. I firmly believe that having consistently great teachers is key to student success.
Managing growth thoughtfully
Responding to growth proactively will continue to be important for our schools. Recognizing the fact that as numbers change, so do the needs of our students is crucial to providing the very best for our students.
Maintaining strong academic outcomes
Making sure that our students have the support that they need to be successful has always been important to me. I will continue to advocate that we do all we can to meet their needs.
Strengthening communication with families
Listening to concerns and striving to address them will remain important to me. While I cannot solve every problem, I certainly can listen respectfully, just as I did in the classroom.
Continuing responsible financial stewardship
Managing the needs of our students against the financial impacts on our taxpayers has been a challenge. Leveraging the relationships I have built with our lawmakers and setting realistic expectations of our budget will remain a priority for me.