29-04-2025
Darlington County School District appoints new superintendent
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — The next superintendent of Darlington County School District was named by the Darlington County Board of Education at a special-called meeting Monday night.
Dr. Matthew Ferguson, a Darlington County native, currently serves as the deputy superintendent and chief academic officer for the SCDE. He will assume his new role as on July 1 from outgoing Superintendent Dr. Tim Newman.
Since 2023, Ferguson has been with the SCDE and led several key initiatives focused on improving academic outcomes. He also deployed the Science of Reading training for over 19,000 educators statewide, and launched the Palmetto Math Project.
'Serving at the South Carolina Department of Education has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career,' Ferguson said. 'I've seen firsthand the dedication, expertise, and unwavering belief in every child that drives this agency, and I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish together.'
Ferguson first began his education career in Darlington County as a high school English teacher, and has previously held leadership roles such as director of personnel, district curriculum coordinator, and executive director of the education oversight committee for the district.
'Stepping into this new role is both exciting and humbling. Returning home to service the community that shaped me is deeply personal. While my job title may be changing, my commitment to the work – and to the belief that every child deserves a great education – remains as strong as ever.'
'The Board recognized that we have an unusual opportunity with perfect timing,' Wanda Hassler, chair of the Darlington County Board of Education, said. 'This was our chance to fill the superintendent's role with a highly qualified Darlington County native with extensive education and leadership experience at both DSDC and the state levels.'
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said, 'While our SCDE family will dearly miss Matthew and his tireless work ethic and expertise, we know this is an exciting new pathway to expand our shared mission to build a bright education future for students in every corner of our state. The students, parents, and educators of Darlington County have gained a fierce and committed champion in their new Superintendent. I can promise them that no one will work harder on their behalf.'
Dr. Ferguson and his wife, Kylie, have four children and look forward to them attending and thriving in Darlington County Schools.
The district will host a series of community meet-and-greet events in the coming weeks to give families, staff, and community members the opportunity to connect with the new superintendent.
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Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.
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