Richland One Superintendent Dr. Percy Mack Announces Plans To Retire June 30

COLUMBIA, SC – After leading the district for six years, Richland One Superintendent Dr. Percy Mack has announced his plans to retire effective June 30, 2014. The Richland One Board of School Commissioners voted unanimously at the May 13 board meeting to accept his letter of retirement.

“We appreciate Dr. Mack’s service to Richland One and to our entire community,” said Board Chairman Aaron Bishop. “He has worked in partnership with the Board, district staff and all sectors of the community to ensure that our students have the resources they need and the opportunities they deserve to excel.”

Dr. Mack came to Richland One in July of 2008. His 42-year career in education began as a teacher in the Savannah-Chatham County (Georgia) Public School System. Prior to accepting the job in Richland One, he served as superintendent of the Dayton (Ohio) Public Schools.

“Our work in Richland One has been exhilarating. I am especially pleased that we have been able to create stimulating new learning places that engage our students and prepare them for college and careers. Over the past six years, we have made strides in improving our overall academic performance and in closing achievement gaps,” Dr. Mack said.

Under his leadership, Richland One became one of the first school districts in the state to be awarded national district accreditation by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission. The district also has maintained its AA+ credit rating, which is the highest credit rating a school district can receive in South Carolina. Innovative academic programs and initiatives launched during Dr. Mack’s tenure include the C.A. Johnson High School Health Sciences Magnet and the Navistar diesel technology program at Heyward Career and Technology Center. In the fall, the district’s new Middle School Montessori Program will open at W.G. Sanders Middle School.

Dr. Mack also has worked with the community to gain support for Richland One and public education as a whole. He serves on several boards, including Junior Achievement of Central South Carolina, the Midlands Education and Business Alliance, USC TRIO Programs, the Historic Columbia Foundation, Central Carolina Community Foundation and the Indian Waters Council – Boy Scouts of America. He is the current chairman of the United Way of the Midlands Board of Directors.

Chairman Bishop said the Board will meet in the coming weeks to discuss its next steps in the search for a new superintendent.