News Summary
The Cherokee County School Board is restarting its search for a new superintendent after a previous attempt failed. Interviews for candidates are set for October and November 2025, aiming for an appointment before Thanksgiving. Interim Superintendent Thomas White has been leading the district since April 2024, following the departure of Dana Fall. The board emphasizes the importance of finding a qualified candidate to ensure stability and effective leadership in the growing school district as it prepares for the upcoming academic year.
Cherokee County, SC – The Cherokee County School Board has announced plans to resume the search for a new superintendent this fall, following an earlier effort that was abandoned earlier this year. The school board aims to interview potential candidates in October and early November 2025, with hopes of appointing a new leader before Thanksgiving.
The decision comes as the district prepares for the new academic year. More than 7,300 students are currently enrolled in Cherokee County Schools for the 2025-2026 school year, and classes began on August 12, 2025. Interim Superintendent Thomas White, who took over in April 2024 after the departure of Dana Fall, is managing the district in the meantime. White, a 71-year-old Cherokee County native and graduate of Blacksburg High School, has been tasked with overseeing school operations and staff integration during this transitional period.
Dana Fall, the previous superintendent, was placed on administrative leave earlier this year and subsequently received a $120,750 buyout after announcing he would be leaving for the Spartanburg County School District 4. His departure raised concerns about leadership stability within the district, prompting the board to seek a replacement. The first search attempt concluded on February 24 without successfully hiring any of the finalists.
At a meeting on July 28, 2025, the school board approved the schedule to resume the superintendent search. According to White, the selection process will focus on candidates’ relevant experience, skills, and aspirations for the role. White has expressed confidence in a smooth transition once a new superintendent is appointed.
During his interim leadership, Thomas White has taken steps to enhance the district’s operations by managing several roles and spearheading new hires in key departments, including finance, human resources, and operations. These ongoing changes are intended to strengthen the district’s infrastructure and support its educational objectives.
The upcoming interviews will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Cherokee County Schools, where the need for effective leadership is increasingly evident. Board members have emphasized the importance of finding a candidate who aligns with the values and educational goals of the district.
As the search unfolds, the community and staff look forward to the stability that a new superintendent may bring to the Cherokee County education system, ensuring that both students and faculty are supported effectively. With the resumption of this vital recruitment process, the Cherokee County School Board remains focused on selecting a leader who can guide the district towards a successful future.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Superintendent Search
- Wikipedia: Cherokee County, South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: Cherokee County Schools Picks New Superintendent
- Google Search: Cherokee County School District
- WSPA: Cherokee Co School District Picks Next Superintendent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Tribune Ledger News: Superintendent Appointed to Statewide Roles
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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