Two South Carolina School leaders receive top honors
May 4, 2017
Greenville County Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. Burke Royster, has been named the 2018 South Carolina Superintendent of the Year, and Spartanburg School District 7’s Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Terry Pruitt, has been named District Level Administrator of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).
“What a fantastic and well deserved honor for our Superintendent and for our district,” said Greenville County Schools Board Chair Crystal Ball O’Conner. “Recently recognized by Education Week as a “Leader to Learn From,” Dr. Royster continues to lead with a keen awareness of what needs to be done, and with a focus on action to improve student engagement and success! His knowledge of, and attention to detail in operations, academics, athletics, financial health, and support for personnel sets an outstanding example for our state.”
He will compete for the 2018 National Superintendent of the Year award sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Aramark, and VALIC.
Elizabeth “Beth” A. Phibbs, Executive Director of SCASA, states, “Dr. Royster is well respected in his community and among his peers. He is passionate in his desire and diligence to prepare our students for success in school and beyond. We are delighted that he has been chosen for this honor.”
Finalists for the award were Dr. Frank Morgan, Kershaw County School District and Dr. Quincie Moore, Cherokee County Schools. Candidates participated in an application and interview process conducted by a team of South Carolina business, education, and community leaders.
Dr. Terry Pruitt, Deputy Superintendent of Spartanburg School District 7, was named the outstanding District Level Administrator of the Year by SCASA. Pruitt has been an advocate for education policy in the state and currently serves as the Past President of the Instructional Leaders Roundtable affiliate.
Elizabeth “Beth” A. Phibbs, Executive Director of SCASA, states, “Dr. Terry Pruitt is well respected in our state and is the consummate professional. He has done a tremendous job in Spartanburg School District 7and has been integral in the success of District 7’s 1:1 technology program. We are delighted that he has been chosen for this honor.”
The Superintendent of Spartanburg School District 7 echoed SCASA’s praise and lauded Pruitt for his boundless passion for education. “Terry is one of the few professionals I know who gets better at juggling the more he has on his plate,” said Dr. Russell Booker. “Terry has a reputation for being our greatest cheerleader, for believing that we can do anything we set our minds to and for motivating everyone around him to be a part of the District’s success. He’s all about building partnerships, building bridges and building relationships.”
Royster & Pruitt will be recognized throughout the year for their accomplishments. Moseley Architects supports both awards by providing a scholarship to each winner to be used to assist a student or teacher with professional development or college courses.
SCASA is the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, with a membership of more than 4,100. From leadership development opportunities and research, to publications and legislative advocacy, SCASA’s focus is to support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina’s young people. As a state affiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA also works on the national level.
