Governor appoints Gray Collegiate Academy principal to SC Education Oversight Committee
December 20, 2018
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Gray Collegiate Academy principal Dr. Brian Newsome as his educator appointee to the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC). Newsome replaces Anne Bull, whose term on the committee had expired.
“Dr. Newsome is dedicated to improving public education in South Carolina,” Governor McMaster said. “He has over 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator and he will bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the EOC.”
Newsome has served as principal at Gray Collegiate Academy since 2016. Before arriving in West Columbia, Newsome was Superintendent of Schools at Orangeburg Prep from 2014 through 2016. He also served as principal of Williston-Elko High School from 2010 through 2014.
Newsome holds bachelor’s degrees from Charleston Southern University and South Carolina State University. He also holds a secondary education doctorate degree in Educational Administration and a doctorate of education from South Carolina State University.
Since 2016, Gray Collegiate Academy has made significant strides under Newsome’s leadership. The school’s graduation rate has climbed from 76 percent to 89 percent. According to recent report cards released by the South Carolina Department of Education, Gray Collegiate received a higher rating than traditional high schools in their neighboring district. Gray was also recognized by SCASA for academic improvement for end of course testing. The school has also won numerous state championships in athletics.
Newsome served as an active member of the AdvanceED Accreditation Council from 2012 to 2017 and has received numerous awards for moving schools academically. He has twice been nominated for the SC Association of School Administrators (SCASA Secondary Principal of the Year Award.
The SC Education Oversight Committee is an independent, non-partisan group made up of 18 educators, business persons, and elected leaders. Created in 1998, the committee is dedicated to reporting facts, measuring change, and promoting progress within South Carolina’s education system.
180-year-old Erskine College established the Charter Institute at Erskine in mid-2017, to improve education in public charter schools across the state of South Carolina. The Institute currently serves as the Sponsor for 13 schools with an additional four schools currently scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. For more information, please visit www.erskinecharters.org.
