Superintendent Announcement
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Chuck Epps announced his intent to retire as Superintendent of the Fort Mill School District, effective June 30, 2025. His retirement marks the culmination of an extraordinary 49-year career in education, with 45 of those years dedicated to the Fort Mill School District.
Dr. Epps has served in numerous roles throughout his tenure, including teacher’s aide, coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal, administrator, and, for the past 15 years, superintendent. Under his leadership, the district has nearly doubled in size while maintaining its standing as one of the top-performing districts in South Carolina. Despite this rapid growth, he has fostered a close-knit, family-oriented culture among staff and the community.
As Superintendent, Dr. Epps has been instrumental in developing an outstanding team of educators and leaders, many of whom have gone on to make significant impacts in other districts. His deep-rooted connection to Fort Mill extends beyond his leadership—he is also a proud graduate of the district. His legacy is reflected in the excellence of education provided to generations of students, and his contributions will continue to shape the district for years to come.
At the end of the highlights is a letter from Dr. Epps that he shared during the meeting.
Dr. Epps has also agreed to continue serving the district in a support role through December, 2025 to help ensure a smooth transition for the next Superintendent. The school board will determine the next steps for identifying his successor and more details will be shared once they are finalized.
Special Recognitions
- Recognition of student Tyler Hooks and teacher Tiana Scott for Program of Studies Cover Design
Introduction of the Fort Mill History Museum Board High School Representatives
Ashley Taylor, Board Chair of the Fort Mill History Museum, presented the high school student representatives from each of the district’s three high schools who will serve on the Fort Mill History Museum Board:
- Catawba Ridge – Shikha Akuraju
- Fort Mill – Macey Simpson
- Nation Ford – Ayden Blackmon
School Spotlight – Pleasant Knoll Elementary
Principal Chad Allen, along with staff members from Pleasant Knoll Elementary School, highlighted their Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process as it relates to Behavior and Life Skills. The presentation focused on all three tiers of instruction and their “Put Your Best PAW Forward” school-wide initiative.
Monthly Financial/Impact Fee Update
Mrs. Leanne Lordo presented the monthly financial and impact fee report:
Monthly Financial Report
- December 31 – Six Month in Fiscal Year (half fiscal year)
- Total Revenue $101,743,158
Total Expenditures $106,448,257
Decrease ($4,705,099) – Cash flow using Fund Balance
- Real Estate taxes $19,117,924 (Last Year $18,024,310)
- Vehicle tax collections $1,800,939
- Fee-in-Lieu taxes $2,885,648
Impact Fees
- Total collected to date $73,034,370
- To Date, Interest Earned on Impact Fees $6,930,336
- Single Family units 2,855/Multi Family 1,764/ Total 4,619 Units
- January had 28 homes and 13 multi-family units added
- Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Single Family
- Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 $7,989,520 or 440 SF Units (22.2% more)
- Jan 2023 to Jan 2024 $6,536,880 or 360 Units
- Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Multi Family
- Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 $1,117,860 or 93 MF Units (36.3% less)
- Jan 2023 to Jan 2024 $1,754,920 or 146 Units
Calendar Year 2024 Average collections $839,615
January 2025 Actual collections $664,684
State Budget – House Key Dates
- 18 – 20, House Ways and Means Committee will meet to consider and approve its FY 2025-26 State budget plan.
- 11 – 13, Full House deliberates on the proposed budget plan.
New Impact Fee
- York County Council 1st Reading and Public Hearing – Monday, March 3
Instructional Technology Update
Mr. Brian Spittle and his team from the Information Technology Department presented information about their Technology Integration Goal-Based Coaching Model. The Technology Integration Goal-Based Coaching Model is a new four-step process designed to provide teachers with personalized professional development in innovative teaching practices that effectively integrate technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This model represents a shift from the previous approach, offering a more personalized and goal-oriented approach to technology integration. Teachers have successfully used the model to improve student engagement and learning outcomes in a variety of subject areas and grade levels. The technology integration team is spotlighting teachers using the coaching model to effectively and innovatively integrate technology with their students, including student examples and a short video with teacher testimonials.
First Reading of the Naming of the 4K Facility
Mr. Grey Young presented the proposed name, colors and mascot for the approved Early Childhood Center for first reading. The proposal includes:
- Name: Paradise Early Childhood Center
- Colors: Blue Sea Star and Yellow
- Mascot: Dolphins
Approval of Bond Resolution to Reimburse from the Proceeds of Certain Tax-Exempt Obligations.
The board voted to approve the Bond Resolution to Reimburse from the Proceeds of Certain Tax-Exempt Obligations. This resolution allows the district to reimburse expenditures incurred up to 60 days prior to the issuance of a bond for projects that were included in the bond approval.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Chuck Epps provided an enrollment update and an overview of upcoming events for February, 2025. At the time of the report the district had 18,407 students enrolled which includes the removal of 76 winter graduates from enrollment. As a reminder Friday, February 14, will be an eLearning day for students to make up the instruction time missed due to the watermain issue last semester. For a complete listing of events please click the calendar link below.
Letter from Superintendent Dr. Chuck Epps:
February 4, 2025
It is difficult to put into words the emotions I feel as I announce my retirement as Superintendent of the Fort Mill School District. My official retirement date will be June 30, 2025, though I have committed to working with the incoming Superintendent through December 31, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition.
Serving this district has been the honor of my professional life. Over the past 45 years in Fort Mill and 49 years total in public education, I have been privileged to work alongside dedicated educators, staff, board members, parents, and community members, all committed to one goal: providing the very best for our students. For the past 15 years as Superintendent, I have had the privilege of leading one of the finest school districts in South Carolina and the nation, and I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me throughout my tenure.
Reaching this milestone is a testament to the opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration that I have experienced here. I have seen firsthand what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared vision for education. The Fort Mill School District is built on a legacy of excellence, and its success is a direct reflection of the incredible people who make up our school family.
Together, we have navigated remarkable growth while maintaining a strong academic foundation. I am especially proud of our ability to sustain high levels of student achievement amid rapid expansion and of the community’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to the resources they need to succeed. The recent support for our 4-year-old Early Childhood Center is just one example of how this district continues to prioritize students at every stage of their educational journey. This center will allow the district to better prepare all students for academic success during their most formative years.
As I prepare to close this chapter of my career, what I will cherish most are the relationships I have built with so many of you. Fort Mill is more than just a district—it is my family. Through every challenge and triumph, the outstanding team we have assembled in the district has helped us remain a close-knit community where everyone’s contributions matter. It is my sincere hope and prayer that the next leader of this district will carry forward this culture of connection, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to our students that is highly unique to Fort Mill.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible journey. I will forever be grateful for the years I have spent here and for the lifelong friendships and memories I take with me.
Together in Education,
James N. “Chuck” Epps, Superintendent
Fort Mill School Board meetings can be viewed live or on demand on the district’s YouTube channel or with the link below.
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