Berkeley Country School Board selects new superintendent
The Berkeley County School District (BCSD) Board of Trustees selected Dr. Eddie Ingram as the district’s new superintendent. The decision was announced at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
Bringing over 37 years of experience, including nine years as a superintendent and 28 years of educational service, Ingram stated he is ready to lead BCSD.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the new Berkeley County School District Superintendent,” said Ingram in a press release. “Berkeley County has continued to improve student achievement, in spite of their administrative challenges and unprecedented growth, which is a direct result of the resilience and strength of their students, parents, teachers, leaders and community. I am excited to work alongside these strong district and school leaders and look forward to all that is to come from Berkeley County.”
Ingram will remain superintendent at his current employer, Darlington County Schools, until Aug. 21, when he officially joins BCSD.
“Although the final selection of a superintendent is the responsibility of the Board, we are pleased to have received feedback from district and school leaders, as well as community members, that Dr. Ingram is the best choice for Berkeley County,” stated Board Chair Sally Wofford.
“I am delighted to have Dr. Ingram serve as the district’s superintendent,” added Daniel Island resident Mac McQuillin, vice chair of the school board. “I am confident that he will improve student achievement and push Berkeley County students forward to compete on the national level. During my meetings with Dr. Ingram, it was apparent that we have a shared focus on our children and student achievement. He is a great fit, and I welcome him to the Berkeley County School District family.”
Ingram was one of three finalists selected in July by the board. All three finalists spent a day in the district meeting with leaders, employees and members of the community. They also underwent two extensive interviews with board members.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Ingram and look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence in Berkeley County with a strong, experienced leader at the helm,” added Wofford.
According to the district, Ingram’s employment agreement as the new superintendent of the BCSD includes the following terms: three year term, commencing on Aug. 21, 2017, subject to renewal each year; a base salary of $205,000; relocation expenses not to exceed $10,000; a monthly vehicle allowance of $900 a month; and all other items and conditions as discussed in executive session.
Interim Superintendent Deon Jackson will continue to lead the district as Berkeley County schools welcome back more than 34,000 students on Aug. 17. He will then assume his new responsibilities as the senior associate superintendent of operations on Aug. 21.
“Mr. Jackson answered the call to lead Berkeley County through very important and challenging times,” continued Wofford in the release. “We could not be more appreciative of his dedication to the students, employees and parents of Berkeley County.”
BCSD PASSES TAX REDUCTION
The Berkeley County School Board also voted 5-3 at their Aug. 8 meeting to pass an approximately three percent property tax reduction. Board members Frank Wright, Shannon Lee and David Barrow voted against the motion. Kelly Spann was absent.
“With the significant growth we are having in Berkeley County, we were able to reduce taxes by $1.8 million while still maintaining the ability to meet our capital needs as a district,” said McQuillin, who voted in favor of the reduction. “For Daniel Island this is significant because we contribute more in taxes than any other municipality in the county. Each resident will see a tax decrease applied to their house and vehicles.”