Building a Culture of Excellence: Laurens 55 Opens 2025-2026 School Year with Purpose and Passion

Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) held the 2025-2026 school year on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Laurens District 55 High School. The district and school administrative teams greeted staff members, along with vendors and the kickoff coffee sponsor, Laurens Starbucks.

Members of the American Legion Post 25 officially opened the kickoff with the Pledge of Allegiance and by sharing a list of programs and initiatives that benefit LCSD 55 students. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rhett Harris then introduced Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland. Penland took a moment to remember the lives of Abby Davis and Chandler Davis, members of the Raiders Class of 2020, who passed away in the summer of 2025. Both students were very visible in school and the Laurens community.

In his opening, Dr. Jody Penland shared Abby’s journal entry (Abby’s Challenge), “I will use my words to build others up. I will serve others when it’s not convenient for me. I will try new ways of kindness for 30 days.” Later in his speech, Dr. Penland tied Abby’s Challenge to his vision on how the district can build a 5-star culture of excellence.

This year, Dr. Penland continues to lead the LCSD 55 staff members in becoming stars- a visible energy of outstanding excellence by being a beacon of hope. John Hattie’s book, Visible Learning, will be the district’s guide to building a 5-star culture of excellence 2.0. The district will focus on creating a positive climate and being anchored in accountability. LCSD 55 aims to have five stars in academics, arts, athletics, attendance, and atmosphere. Dr. Penland wrapped his speech by reminding his LCSD 55 family to commit to seven things – valuing each other, the vision and mission of the team, staying positive together, giving your best, getting better, connecting, and supporting each other. Dr. Penland summed up how these seven things connect with Abby’s Challenge: District staff should care about the students and each other, and give their best every day.

LCSD 55 Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rhett Harris echoes Dr. Penland’s vision. “Striving to be a five-star culture is having an effective impact on how we do business in Laurens 55. It impacts all aspects of the system and serves as a valuable discussion point when setting expectations. Applying it to the five areas of academics, arts, athletics, attendance, and atmosphere further ingrains the concept in our district. I love it and emphasize it regularly to those I oversee. It also gives me a clear standard by which to measure my work,” said Dr. Harris.

LCSD 55 Director of Student Services Dr. Carlos Littlejohn is excited about the district’s clear vision. “Dr. Penland employs a shared vision of a ‘5-Star Culture of Excellence’ that’s executed through collaborative cycles of instructional planning and data analysis. Through a professional shift to a managed performance empowerment style, his vision will comprehensively impact student achievement, enhance teacher efficacy, and overall school effectiveness. Ultimately, schools in Laurens County School District 55 will transform into learning environments where teachers and students engage in purposeful, challenging, and positive learning,” shared Dr. Littlejohn.

2025-2026 LCSD 55 Teacher of the Year Jamie Flaniken is sold on Dr. Penland’s game plan. Flaniken said, “Dr. Penland’s speech reignited my passion for showing up as the very best version of myself every day. His message about relationships before rigor reminds me that the connections I build with students and colleagues have the power to change lives and drive success by holding myself and others accountable, maintaining high expectations for attendance and engagement, and leading with positivity.”

LCSD 55 Fine Arts Coordinator Cindy Wright is delighted with Dr. Penland’s support for the fine arts. She shared, “Dr. Penland recognizes our Fine Arts Programs as a valued part of the district’s 5-star culture. Through his unending support and dedication to excellence, our Fine Arts Programs have shown tremendous growth under his leadership!”

“Dr. Penland inspires me to be a 5-star employee by setting an example of being an excellent leader,” Wright continued.

LCSD 55 Athletic Director (AD) Tommy Spires is energized with Dr. Penland’s support and is on board with continuing to build an excellent athletic department. Among many goals, Coach Spires believes that recruiting and retaining highly qualified middle school coaches to develop athletes early in their athletic careers will take the athletics department to excellence.

Spires said, “We remain committed to collaborating with the District Administration to enhance our facilities and ensure that every athletic program receives the necessary support for success.”

The inspirational speech from Dr. Penland was followed by meaningful staff professional development. The district thanks the 2025-2026 kickoff guest speakers, vendors, ice cream treat sponsor (Martha Franks), and the LCSD Board of Trustees for their support.