The 2022-23 school year presented new opportunities for Marion County School District.   As we embraced the theme “Cultivating Excellence is Our SuperPower”, we were on a mission to ensure that all students realized their full potential and innate ability to achieve at all levels. 

With a strong focus on academics, along with an amazing community of educators, we encouraged students to harness their superpowers as we embarked upon the mission of advancing academic growth and achievement. To support student growth, our Instructional Leadership Teams worked actively with teachers through instructional coaching, monitoring data, and using the data to make daily informed instructional decisions. Teachers participated in weekly common planning activities and evidence-based PLCs to promote teacher-driven, student-focused practices. This year the district also transitioned to using I-Ready. I-Ready focused on student growth, continued progress and areas of student challenge so targeted individual and small group instruction could better meet students' learning needs in the classroom.

As we continued the mission, the district initiated several new programs, partnerships and initiatives that were focused on cultivating excellence by providing expanded opportunities for Marion County’s students. 

With a need to focus on literacy instruction the district was excited to participate in the state’s Palmetto Project.  With this initiative, the South Carolina Department of Education partnered with Marion County School District and many others across the state to offer LETRS Training to our K-3 teachers and principals. LETRS professional development is job-embedded and based on the science of reading and provides the tools to improve teacher literacy practices.

With a commitment to STEM education, the district made several advancements in this area.   The district’s only theme-based school received a grant to fund STEM and Project Lead the Way activities. Project Lead the Way provided intense project-based learning experiences for students.  The district was also  pleased to announce the introduction of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) LEGO Leagues that introduce science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through fun, exciting hands-on learning.  For the inaugural year, two LEGO team represented the district. 

In the secondary education sector Marion County School District greatly expanded the partnership with Florence Darlington Technical College. This year, the  students from Marion and Mullins High School had new options school such as Machine Tooling, the Early Childhood Certificate Program, and a Medical Terminology program. The district's career center is also home to a state approved Firefighter Certification program.

 As we continue in our efforts of continuous improvement, we wish to acknowledge that many of our existing successes are a tribute to the excellence of our dedicated staff, resilient scholars, a committed governing body and the unwavering support of our families and the larger community.   We will continue to focus on strengthening academic achievement and expand our partnerships with families, businesses, and the community to enhance opportunities for our students as we cultivate a culture of excellence. 

Dr. Kandace Bethea, Superintendent