Richland One Board names superintendent finalists
May 19, 2025
The Richland One Board of School Commissioners has named three finalists in its search for a new superintendent.
BWP & Associates, the firm hired by the Board to conduct the national superintendent search, received 42 applications from candidates in 12 states. The Board narrowed the pool to seven for initial interviews. After conducting the interviews and deliberating, the Board chose three finalists.
“The Board was fortunate that so many highly qualified applicants want to take on the role of superintendent in Richland One. We could not be more excited about the three finalists, and we look forward to welcoming them to our district next week,” said Board Chairman Robert Lominack.
Mr. Kelly S. Guempel, Dr. Kendra V. Johnson, and Dr. Todd Anthony Walker
The three finalists will visit schools in the district Monday, May 19. Later that day, students, staff, parents and community members will have an opportunity to interact with the finalists during a meet-and-greet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Heyward Career and Technology Center (3560 Lynhaven Drive, Columbia, SC 29204). Staff will direct attendees to the designated areas for the meet-and-greet.
The three finalists for Richland One superintendent are:
- Mr. Kelly S. Guempel, deputy superintendent, Spotsylvania County Public Schools, Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Dr. Kendra V. Johnson, associate superintendent, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Annapolis, Maryland
- Dr. Todd Anthony Walker, chief curriculum and instruction officer, Columbus City Schools, Columbus, Ohio
