Centrally located in the center of South Carolina, Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) serves as a cornerstone of unity, excellence, and educational progress. Embodying the motto "We Are One," this academic community is steered by the visionary leadership of Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster.
OCSD is a vast educational institution, serving over 11,000 students and supported by nearly 2,000 dedicated employees. OCSD is the home of 31 schools, which includes the specialized offerings of three CATE centers. The District’s primary goal is to help students discover and develop their person, purpose, and platform.
In November 2022, a landmark decision by the voters gave the green light to the “School Improvements of Pride by 2025, OCSD's ambitious plan to revamp its schools. A $190 million bond referendum was passed with a majority, aiming to support upgrades to current buildings in OCSD and usher in new schools and enhance the existing facilities. The strong backing from the community for this referendum is a testament to the trust the District has built over the years.
In terms of academic achievements, 2022 saw a significant surge in the preparedness of OCSD students for life after secondary education. An increase of almost 7.9% from the previous year brought the percentage to 55.5%. This significant increase was made possible by the efforts of all the schools, especially the three career centers, and the District's advanced academic offerings. These numbers and improvements bear witness to the positive impact OCSD is having on its students' academic success.
In April 2023, the HOPE initiative was launched. OCSD partnered with Orangeburg County Technical College to give every OCSD senior a chance to attend college. Because of this partnership, 100% of the graduating class got accepted into a college. Over 600 students were accepted into Orangeburg County Technical College on a provisional basis.
Also, OCSD’s commitment to holistic education earned it the prestigious Everfi Empowered District Seal in 2023. Joining the elite group of the top 10% of school districts nationwide to receive this honor, OCSD showcased its unwavering commitment to varied life skills such as financial education, career exploration, character education, and health & wellness.
In its efforts to cultivate the upcoming generation of environmental stewards, OCSD clinched a place among the 20 schools in South Carolina to be awarded the "Champions of the Environment" grant. This initiative by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) underscores the importance of environmental education. In OCSD, Brookdale Elementary School was awarded a $2000 grant for their innovative Hydroponic Gardening Project.
Forging towards a greener future, OCSD was among the 16 school districts in South Carolina to receive a chunk of funds to replace their school buses. As part of the EPA's Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, OCSD was granted a whopping $6.32 million to transition to zero-emission and low-emission models, echoing the District's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Orangeburg County School District is not just an educational institution but a dynamic hub of growth, innovation, and unity, consistently working to enhance the lives of its students, staff, and the larger community. We want to express our deep appreciation to our students, parents/guardians, and all stakeholders. Your consistent dedication, faith, and proactive engagement are the backbone of the District's accomplishments and progress. Your trust in OCSD's goals and direction propels us to aim higher and achieve greater. Standing united under the banner of "We Are One," we envision a future filled with promise and potential for every student. Thank you for being a vital part of this transformative journey.
Dr. Shawn D. Foster
