Newman chosen as DCSD Superintendent
Dr. Tim Newman
Dr. Tim Newman will be the new superintendent of the Darlington County School District. The Darlington County Board of Education voted tonight to extend an offer to Newman, who accepted via conference call. Newman is currently the superintendent of Orangeburg Consolidated School District 4.
“Dr. Newman emerged as a clear leader through our research and interviews, as well as in the feedback from our teachers, principals, staff, and community members,” said Jamie Morphis, chairman of the Darlington County Board of Education. “Dr. Newman is knowledgeable about our district. He presented us with intriguing, well-conceived ideas to address the needs of our district and students. Moreover, he has the experience, attitude, and leadership abilities to cross all lines and create a cohesive culture of excellence in our district.”
Under Newman’s leadership, Orangeburg Consolidated School District 4 increased test scores and rankings in all four core content areas on the SC PASS and SC Ready state standardized tests. The district also created a new Honors, Aerospace and an Advanced Manufacturing School-to-Work Magnet program, implemented a massive technology initiative, and completed a significant security upgrade for five of its schools.
Newman’s current district serves 3,700 students in eight schools. During his career, he has also served as assistant superintendent for human resources and public relations, interim chief financial officer, executive director of operational services and accountability, information and technology services in Pickens County School District, assistant principal, business teacher, technology coordinator, and athletic director. Before entering the education field, he worked in retail management and administration. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management and a Master of Arts in Economics from Clemson University. He earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate in Educational Administration from South Carolina State University.
The decision to hire Newman completed a search process led by former district superintendent Dr. Rainey Knight. The process included surveying community members, parents, and district employees as well as advertising throughout the nation. The board narrowed 25 applicants down to four finalists. The candidates each visited the district for two days and met with administrative staff, principals, teachers, support staff, press, community members, business leaders, and board members.
“We are immensely pleased with the search conducted by Dr. Knight,” said Morphis. “She brought us a large pool of highly qualified applicants. It made the decision harder but ultimately brought us the best person to lead our district.”
As the new superintendent of the Darlington County School District, Newman will be in charge of 23 schools, about 10,000 students and an $82.2 million annual operating budget. He will begin July 1, 2018.
Dr. Newman was in attendance at the meeting via conference call. He said he was pleased to be offered the position.
“I am honored and humbled to be offered the position of superintendent in Darlington County School District,” Newman said. “I was very impressed with the process that you (the board) went through to get district and stakeholder buy-in. I accept the position and I am anxious to get started. There are so many great things we are going to accomplish together.”
All eight members of the Darlington County Board of Education voted unanimously in favor of Dr. Newman.
