Laurens County School District 55 Kicks Off 2026-2027 School Year

The Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) administrators, teachers, and staff gathered today, July 27, 2026, at the Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) to kick off the 2026-2027 School Year.

To make the return of staff members extra special, the Office of Student Nutrition Services offered treats, and Clinton Starbucks provided freshly brewed hot coffee for all staff members in attendance.

At the start of the formal program, representatives of the Laurens County American Legion and cadets of the LDHS Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) led the Pledge of Allegiance and presented the colors, respectively. Then, Interim Superintendent Dr. Rhett Harris welcomed the Raider Family. In his welcome, Dr. Harris gave a quick round of recognitions for LCSD 55 School Board Members, new staff members, those who have served five years or more, the reigning Support Staff of the Year, and Teachers of the Year.

The honored guest speaker, Byron V. Garrett, then took the stage. Garrett is an author, speaker, designer, and motivator. He is also an accomplished humanitarian, government official, and business executive. Among his greatest accomplishments are serving as Chairman of the National Family Engagement Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming education through meaningful family engagement, as well as serving as the Director of Educational Leadership and Policy for Microsoft.

Garrett’s keynote touched on the district’s role in preparing and supporting students for future jobs, including the most innovative ones involving technology. He encouraged the Raider Family to harness the power of positivity, serve all students, and work with all families. He tasked the audience with challenging students to rise above being average. He reminded the audience of the importance of self-care so that each person can continue to care for everyone in the district. He wrapped his speech by sharing the ABCs of Life, with an emphasis on W for work, work, work, and X for X-Ray. Self-reflection over minding others’ businesses.

After the beautiful keynote, a special video highlighting the winners of each school’s Induction Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, and Teachers of the Year was presented. The video culminated with the announcement of Jaya Thumati (2026-2027 LDHS Teacher of the Year) as the Laurens County School District 55 Teacher of the Year. Thumati gave a brief message following the video presentation.

Thumati shared how she has grown as an educator, pursuing higher degrees, and changing her perspectives. She has learned how to respond to different situations- moving from being frustrated to becoming a proactive teacher and leader. Thumati touted how educators live a hidden curriculum- the kind wherein they must navigate teaching students about academic unwritten rules, social skills, and diverse cultural values. Her journey includes being humbled by the fact that educators can do so much, but parents must be our partners because they give a different kind of emotional support for their children. She calls on her colleagues to join in an initiative she started for her students’ parents/guardians called “Let’s Talk for 15 Minutes.” The goal of which is to build strong relationships, student success, and better conversations between students and their families. Her message resonated with Byron Garrett’s call for having the mindset that parents are part of the solution, and educators must work with them.

Dr. Rhett Harris returned to the stage for the formal closing. In his speech, he also tied to the call to work together. Among the three points he emphasized is that as Raiders, each one must have the attitude of “We, Not Me.” This is his call for each one to embrace the team idea. He reassured staff members that supports are in place, and the goal is to help everyone thrive- prevent burnout by avoiding isolation.

Dr. Harris said, “Discipline is necessary for the effective running of schools. If you care for your students then establishing an effective learning environment will be easier.”

Staff members were dismissed for lunch and were treated to additional goodies at the LDHS Commons provided by community partners: Martha Franks (classroom supplies and The Front Porch Churn ice cream), Debbie Simpson of Simpson Land and Home, Equitable, North Greenville University, Grand Canyon University, United Community Bank, and Anderson University.

In the afternoon, the Raider Family engaged in various professional learning, targeted to their specific content.

Wendy Burgess, LCSD 55 Director of Teaching & Learning, and co-lead planner of the kickoff with Amanda Lecaroz, LCSD 55 Director of Accountability, Federal Programs and Professional Learning, said, “The start of the new year is an exciting opportunity to come together as educators who are committed to excellence and the success of every student. Professional development is the foundation of an excellent school district because it equips our teachers and staff with the knowledge, skills, and innovative practices needed to help every learner thrive.”

“Our July 27 kickoff marks the beginning of a year-long commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and growth as we strive to make Laurens County School District 55 a District of Excellence,” continued Burgess.