LCSD 55 Board of Trustees Votes to Extend Offer to Dr. Jody Penland as Superintendent

The Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) Board of Trustees voted 5-2 to extend an offer to Dr. Jody Penland to become the next superintendent pending contract negotiations.

Jody Penland, Ed.D. has twenty-nine years of experience in education. He currently serves as Co-Interim Superintendent in Laurens County School District 55. Prior to this, he served as Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, Director of Research, Testing, Accountability, and Federal Programs, Director of Professional Development, and Math/Science Coordinator in the district. He was a Mathematics Specialist for Upper Savannah Science and Math Hub (S2TEM) and a Mathematics teacher in Laurens 56. He earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, a Master of Education in Elementary Education/Critical Needs Secondary Mathematics Education from Converse College, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Francis Marion University.

LCSD 55 Board of Trustees Chair, Cathy Little, stated, “The board is pleased to announce that we have extended an offer to Dr. Jody Penland as our next superintendent of Laurens District 55. We are confident that Dr. Penland has all the qualifications and characteristics to lead our district in the right direction and to build the necessary relationships that foster strong community partnerships and support. On behalf of the board, I also want to take the opportunity to thank all of those who were involved in the superintendent search process including the South Carolina School Board Association, district office personnel, our nutrition staff, teachers, staff, parents, and all who completed surveys and attended meet and greets. Finally, a special thanks to Mrs. Candice Branim, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent and School Board.”

Dr. Jody Penland is honored with the trust and confidence of the LCSD 55 School Board and the Laurens Community. “I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support, prayers, and love I received over the past several weeks. As we move forward as a district and community, stability, consistency, and integrity must be at the core of our system so we can provide the best opportunities for our students and the best working environment for our staff. It is an honor and privilege to lead the district where I live, worship, and have raised my boys is truly an honor and a privilege,” stated Dr. Penland.