District Five superintendent again earns high marks on board evaluation
October 31, 2017
Lexington-Richland School District Five Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner earned high marks for his job performance during an open evaluation at a recent school board meeting.
The District Five School Board gave Hefner an overall “superior evaluation” on Oct. 23, extending top reviews he’s received since he joined the district in 2011. Hefner announced at a previous board meeting he will retire at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.
Board Chairman Robert Gantt touted a variety of achievements, including Hefner’s vision plans he has given in five year increments. “When you arrived in 2011, you shared with us your Vision 2015 plan, which has been met. Then last year you shared Vision 2020. I find it extremely helpful for a district to have goals that you are working towards each year. We are very proud of all you have done in your time here in District Five.”
Board member Ed White said, “One of the challenges when you’ve been so successful is how do you sustain it, and you’ve managed to sustain it. I have to say selfishly I am disappointed that you are retiring because we wish we could keep you around longer. You’ve done an extraordinary job and deserve superior credit.”
Hefner received high praise for helping the district meet several 2016-17 school year goals, including: maintaining high academic ratings, expanding access and utilization of technology, and addressing needs related to student enrollment.
District Five again achieved high accolades and honors in academics, the arts, athletics, leadership and community service during the 2016-2017 school year. Niche.com, a national clearinghouse for evaluating public education, ranked District Five as the top school district in South Carolina. The district’s SAT scores were above state and national averages, and three District Five high schools were ranked in national publications for academic rigor and preparing students for college.
Hefner said, “It is such a privilege to be your superintendent. I never dreamed how much I have enjoyed working in this district. I told someone that if I had known how much I have enjoyed it, I would’ve worked much harder to get here faster!”
