Superintendent accepts new job in Rock Hill

COUNTY — After weeks of speculation, School District of Pickens County superintendent Dr. Kelly Pew announced Friday that she has accepted a new position in Rock Hill, contingent upon her release from her current three-year contract with the SDPC.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to become a part of the Rock Hill public school system, and I look forward to working with the students, faculty, parents and community members there to continue Rock Hill’s excellent reputation,” Pew said. “I’ll miss the wonderful people who live and work in Pickens County.”

Pew began her career as a high school English teacher at Chapman High School in Inman. She also held teaching positions at McDuffie High School and Hanna High School in Anderson District V.

Before moving into a district office position, she served as assistant principal at Bryson Middle School in Greenville County and Wren High School, then as principal of Seneca Middle School and Seneca High School.

Four years ago, she came to the School District of Pickens County. For three years she was in human resource services before moving to assistant superintendent of instructional services.

When Dr. Henry Hunt retired as superintendent, Pew and Danny Merck were finalists for the position. After Pew was chosen, Merck was named principal of Daniel High School.

Pew’s tenure as superintendent has been marked by struggles as the district has stretched to meet needs during its aggressive building program, while the district’s board of trustee’s has also recently been under fire after a negative accreditation report from AdvancED.

Pew was selected from among three finalists for the Rock Hill position formerly held by Lynn Moody. The other two finalists were Edison (N.J.) Public Schools superintendent Richard O’Malley and Fort Mill School District assistant superintendent Thomas Schmolze.

Rock Hill School Board Chairman Jim Vining said Pew’s energy and her knowledge of education in South Carolina were the primary factors for selecting her. Board members said they were also impressed that Pew presented 30-, 60- and 90-day action plans during her interview.

Pew’s annual salary will be $180,000, or about $60,000 more than her base salary as Pickens superintendent.

SDPC staff were notified of Pew’s decision on Friday afternoon. More information about filling the superintendent position in Pickens County after her departure will be available at a later time.