Spartanburg School District 1 selects experienced educator to become next superintendent

After a search process involving input from residents, students and teachers, Spartanburg School District 1 has selected a new superintendent.

Mark S. Smith, chief officer of Student Services, School Safety, and Transportation for Spartanburg School District 6, was named the new superintendent. The District 1 trustees made the announcement during the board meeting on Dec. 12.

Smith will begin his new job this semester. He will replace Ron Garner, who announced he was retiring at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

"Dr. Mark Smith is a strong, knowledgeable, trustworthy leader," said Billy Cothran, chairman for the District 1 Board of Trustees. "We look forward to the success that our students and staff will achieve as he leads our great school district."

Smith received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies and Education from Erskine College. He then received his Master of Education from Converse College, and Education Specialist and Doctoral degrees from South Carolina State University.

He previously served as the principal of Dorman Freshman Campus and the assistant principal for Dorman High School and the assistant principal for the Dorman Freshman Campus. Smith also taught social studies at Fairforest Middle School.

Smith said he is excited about the next step in his educational career.

"My family and I are beyond excited to join the Spartanburg School District 1 family. I am eager to help build on a great foundation of success through academics and extracurricular opportunities," Smith said. "I consider this an opportunity of a lifetime and will prioritize building positive relationships with students, faculty and staff throughout this transition period."

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This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Mark S. Smith named new Superintendent for District 1