Lexington One Board of Trustees selects superintendent-elect/superintendent

The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees voted during the Tuesday, April 16, 2024 meeting to extend contracts to Mr. Keith Price as the superintendent-elect/superintendent of Lexington County School District One.

Board Chair Anne Marie Green said, “We are delighted to announce Mr. Keith Price as our new superintendent-elect/superintendent. Mr. Price brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to help Lexington One guide all students to learn, grow and excel. As we considered the superintendent-elect position in light of the significant and heavy work ahead for Lexington One, our board believes Mr. Price possesses the experience and knowledge in district-level strategic planning, public school funding, instructional leadership, and management of complex operations systems that are so extremely important for us right now. Most importantly he values building relationships, seeking input from parents and teachers, and helping to create a place where students can succeed and people want to work.”

Background on Mr. G. Keith Price

Mr. Price began teaching in 1996 at Greenville County School District after graduating from Clemson University with a degree in secondary mathematics education. A native of Camden, S.C., Mr. Price returned to the Midlands in the fall of 1996 to teach at Dent Middle School in Richland School District Two.

After four years in the classroom at Dent Middle, Mr. Price moved to Ridge View High School in Richland Two where he held a dual role of teacher/assistant administrator before being promoted to assistant principal at E.L. Wright Middle. He then went on to serve from 2003–07 as the middle school’s principal and from 2007–14 as the principal of Blythewood High. Before becoming the superintendent of Georgetown County School District, Mr. Price held the position of assistant superintendent for Richland Two starting in 2014 through 2020.

In addition to being a seasoned educational leader, Mr. Price is deeply involved in community activities and professional organizations. He supports several educational boards and committees, including the Coastal Carolina University Board of Visitors and the University of South Carolina Superintendent Advisory Committee. His leadership extends to civic involvement through membership in the Rotary Club of Georgetown and participation in the Pee Dee Education Consortium Board of Directors.

Mr. Price’s contributions to education are further recognized through his role as a Furman University Riley Institute Diversity Fellow, highlighting his commitment to enhancing educational leadership and community engagement. Through his extensive experience and ongoing dedication to educational improvement, Mr. Price continues to shape the academic landscape in South Carolina, fostering growth and excellence within the communities he serves.

He furthered his education at the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Master’s in Education Administration, followed by an Education Specialist degree from USC, and is presently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Education Systems Improvement from USC.

Search Process

In a strategic move to ensure smooth leadership transition, Lexington One embarked on a superintendent-elect/superintendent search in January 2024, following a contract amendment for current Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait. The Lexington One Board of Trustees amended the superintendent’s contract on January 23, 2024, transitioning the deputy superintendent role, which has been budgeted for this year but not yet been filled, to a superintendent-elect/superintendent position. This shift underscores the district’s commitment to stability and foresight in leadership succession, driven by Dr. Postlewait’s initiative.

On January 30, 2024, the board contracted with Dino Teppara, a local lawyer, consultant and Lexington One parent. Mr. Teppara performed human resource functions for the board — collecting and screening resumes; contacting applicants; scheduling and attending interviews; and providing legal advice as necessary.

After a first round of interviews in March, the board selected three finalists. On April 8, the three finalists came to the district to meet with teachers and school and district officials, talk with community members during a Meet and Greet and participate in a final round of interviews with the board.

At the April 16 meeting the board approved the following motion: 

“To authorize the board chair to execute an employment contract with Mr. Keith Price as superintendent-elect of Lexington County School District One effective July 1, 2024 (or as soon thereafter as he is available to begin), said contract having been prepared by District attorneys and reviewed by the board, which provides for a one-year term as superintendent-elect at an annual salary of $210,000.

It is further moved that the board authorize the board chair to execute an employment contract with Mr. Keith Price as superintendent of Lexington County School District One effective July 1, 2025, said contract having been prepared by District attorneys and reviewed by the board, which provides for a four-year term as superintendent at an annual salary of $236,000.”