School District Five names interim Director of Special Services

Richland School District Five has named veteran educator Jinni Friend as the interim Director of Special Services.

Friend currently serves as the Coordinator of Special Services. Prior to that position, she served as an Autism Behavior Specialist and a Special Education Teacher in School District Five, Inman, SC and Woodbine, Georgia. Friend holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Clemson University and a master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Phoenix University. She will graduate with her Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in policy, advocacy, and legal literacy from the University of South Carolina in December.

“I am excited to continue serving our families and students in School District Five as the Interim Director of Special Services,” Friend said. “It is an honor to serve in this new capacity supporting our students, families and schools in School District Five to increase outcomes for students with disabilities.”

Chief of Academics Tina McCaskill said, “Mrs. Friend brings an incredible amount of passion, wealth of knowledge and extraordinary leadership to our district. Her commitment to our students, teachers, staff and community will help support high-quality learning experiences for all students.”