Three school leaders selected for lifetime achievement award

Jane Harrison, Scott Turner, Gerrita Postlewait

Three school leaders from across the state have been selected by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) as 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award Winners. This year, Mrs. Jane Harrison, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction in Anderson School District One; Dr. Gerrita Postlewait, Superintendent of Charleston County School District; and Dr. Scott Turner, Superintendent of Spartanburg School District Five, were all selected to receive this award for their contributions to education in South Carolina

Each year SCASA selects exemplars of educational leadership to receive the SCASA lifetime achievement award. These leaders have dedicated their lives to educating South Carolina’s children, serving their communities, and providing an example for those who aspire to lead.

Mrs. Jane Harrison has spent her career serving children in Anderson School District One. She has taught first grade, fourth grade, language arts, and science. Mrs. Harrison has served as Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Elementary Education, and is currently Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. During her tenure at the district level, she has supported the superintendent and district in developing and publicizing the district’s capital needs—leading to two successful bond referendums with more than 70 percent voter approval. Her MENTOR program, which provides a trusted adult for the district’s most disadvantaged students, has received state acclaim and demonstrates her full commitment to the students of Anderson School District One.

She has been an active member of SCASA for many years, serving as a conference presenter and Palmetto’s Finest committee member. Currently, she participates in the Instructional Leaders’ Roundtable. She has also served as president of the South Carolina International Reading Association.

Dr. Scott Turner began his career in the classroom as a high school chemistry and AP biology teacher. In 2000, he took his first principal job at Chesnee High School before leaving for Spartanburg District Five in 2003 to serve as principal of Byrnes High School. One year later, he was named Superintendent of Spartanburg District Five Schools. In his 15 years as superintendent, Dr. Turner has exemplified what it means to be a caring, passionate, and successful leader who inspires his teachers and staff through his own example. He has led the district through major change and growth, spearheading efforts to expand several campuses and athletic buildings, build multiple new schools, a Fine Arts Center, and a bus facility.

He has served as both President of SCASA and the SCASA Superintendents’ Affiliate and chaired SCASA’s Foundation’s Capital Campaign. He currently serves on the Education Oversight Committee, as an instructor with SCASA’s Center for Executive Education Leadership (CEEL), and on the Executive Board for the Middle Tyger Community Center. His tremendous leadership has earned Dr. Turner the respect of his peers in education both locally and statewide.

Dr. Gerrita Postlewait has served as a State Board of Education member, State Board Chair, teacher, district administrator, and superintendent in Horry and Charleston counties. Her leadership has led to gains in achievement, engagement, and innovation. In Horry County, these initiatives included an Early College High School, a Scholars Academy, STEM programs, and a partnership with New Tech Network. Twice during her tenure as superintendent in Horry County, she was named State Superintendent of the Year.

In Charleston, she has led the district to its first ever AdvancED accreditation. She has also increased student learning outcomes as measured by state and local assessments and broadened the opportunities for students. She has been instrumental in work with TransformSC and national initiatives to realize the potential of every student. She has served as president of the Superintendents’ Affiliate and has been a member of the Superintendents’ Affiliate executive committee for many years, while in Horry County and now in Charleston County. She was also instrumental in developing the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.

The Lifetime Achievement Award selection committee uses the following criteria to choose the award recipients:

• evidence of outstanding leadership as an educational administrator,
• a record of service and leadership as a member of SCASA and its affiliates,
• community service not directly related to the education profession, and
• service to the profession above and beyond normal job responsibilities.

Mrs. Harrison, Dr. Postlewait, and Dr. Turner were honored on Wednesday, June 19, at the 2019 Innovative Ideas Institute, SCASA’s annual conference, before 1,700 school leaders. Each winner received a cash prize and commemorative plaque presented by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and a ring presented by Herff Jones.

SCASA is the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, with a membership of more than 4,400. From leadership development opportunities and research to publications and legislative advocacy, SCASA’s focus is to support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina’s young people. As a state affiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA also works on the national level.