FAIRFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — As Dr. J.R. Green prepares to retire in June, the Fairfield County School District has selected Dr. Tony Hemingway to step into the role of superintendent.
"Why me, why now, and why here? I've had a great record of success with raising student achievement and closing achievement gaps for students, and I see Fairfield as a wonderful opportunity to continue a rich legacy that has been left by Dr. Green," Hemingway said.
With 28 years of experience in education, Hemingway hopes to bring a wealth of knowledge to the role.
“I went to Claflin College, studied elementary education, and moved into a teaching position, taught for 10 years, and then became a building administrator, serving in the role of assistant principal and then principal," Hemingway said.
Hemingway is coming from Clover School District, where he served as chief human resources and strategic planning officer.
Hemingway credits his time in the classroom as the most formative building block for his leadership style.
"My passion is student success. I always tell everyone, you know, I am a teacher, leader, and a teacher leader," Hemingway said.
Hemingway's immediate focus will be to engage with the community and stakeholders to understand their needs and aspirations for the district.
"I think really getting a full understanding of the in-depthness of all of the programs, and just seeing how I can fit in to work with the community and work with the stakeholders here," Hemingway said.
Dr. Green will assist in the transition process until his departure in June.
"We're starting the process as early as today, really taking him around and introducing him to principals, taking him around so he can meet the cafeteria staff, and other members of the Fairfield family," Green said.
Green assures the community of a smooth transition and a promising future for Fairfield County.
"He's obviously proven success in the Clover area for the last several years, and I am absolutely 100% confident he will bring that same kind of energy to Fairfield County," Green said.
Green said he plans to slowly phase out of his role beginning in April, and then will leave the District on June 30.