Two South Carolina Administrators Receive Top Honors
May 7, 2012
COLUMBIA, SC – May 4, 2012 – Darlington County Superintendent Dr.Rainey Harris Knight has been named 2013 South Carolina Superintendentof the Year and Richland School District One Assistant toSuperintendent/Ombudsman/District Athletic Director Carlos Smith hasbeen named District Level Administrator of the Year by the SouthCarolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).
Knight, a former high school principal, has led Darlington CountySchools to be one of the top academic achieving districts in SouthCarolina despite challenges of an 82% poverty rate and low per studentspending. Recognized with the 2nd highest graduation rate in SC and asan Excellent District Rating on the 2011 Report Card (5th highest in thestate), Darlington’s results show that the strategies she hasimplemented are successful. She will compete for the 2013 NationalSuperintendent of the Year award sponsored by the American Associationof School Administrators (AASA), Aramark, and ING.
Molly Spearman, Executive Director of SCASA, states, Rainey Knightis a terrific example of the outstanding and innovative school leadersin South Carolina. She has proved that all students can achieve withpersonalized learning opportunities.
Finalists for the award were Dr. Karen Woodward, Lexington DistrictOne and Dr. Rose Wilder, Clarendon District One. Candidates participatedin an application and interview process.
Dr.Carlos Smith, Assistant to the Superintendent of Richland One, wasnamed the outstanding District Level Administrator of the Year bySCASA. Smith has served as an educator for more than 36 years. AColumbia native and graduate of Richland One, Smith is known for hisstraightforwardness. He has worked directly under 6 Richland Onesuperintendents and each has entrusted him with increasedresponsibilities, a reflection of their trust and recognition of hiswork ethic. He currently serves as an assistant to Dr. Percy Mack andworks with the community and district as an ombudsman and athleticdirector.
Knight and Smith will be recognized throughout the year for theiraccomplishments. Moseley Architects supports both awards by providing ascholarship to each winner to be used to assist a student or teacherwith professional development or college courses.
About SCASA
SCASA is the professional organization for school leaders in SouthCarolina, with a membership of more than 3,000. From professionaldevelopment opportunities and research, to publications and legislativeadvocacy, SCASA’s focus is to support school leaders in providing thebest possible education for South Carolina’s young people. As a stateaffiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA alsoworks on the national level.
