5 Major Reasons Spartanburg School District 5 Is South Carolina's Most Forward-Thinking District In 2025
Spartanburg School District 5 (SCSD5) is currently undergoing one of the most significant periods of growth and investment in its history, cementing its status as a premier educational system in South Carolina. As of late 2025, the district is rapidly moving forward with a massive $200 million infrastructure plan, bolstered by an overwhelmingly approved bond referendum, alongside a new budget focused on employee compensation and student safety. This forward momentum directly addresses the challenge of rapidly rising student enrollment in the Middle Tyger Area, ensuring that the district’s commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences remains the top priority.
The strategic financial planning and community support, evidenced by the nearly 80% voter approval of the recent bond, signal a strong, unified vision for the future of education in the area. This commitment is translating into tangible projects—including new schools and major renovations—that will shape the learning environment for thousands of the district’s approximately 10,670 students for decades to come.
Spartanburg District 5 Leadership: Superintendent and Board of Trustees Profiles
The strategic direction and recent successes of Spartanburg County School District 5 are guided by a dedicated team of administrators and elected board members. This leadership is responsible for overseeing the district’s comprehensive plans, from academic performance goals to multi-million dollar construction projects.
Superintendent
- Dr. Randall Gary: Serving as the Superintendent, Dr. Gary has been a key driver in the district's recent surge in growth and positive community engagement. His leadership was recently recognized when he was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Middle Tyger Area, highlighting his impact both within the schools and the broader community. Dr. Gary is focused on maintaining high standards of student achievement and ensuring the 2025-2026 budget supports the district’s core mission.
Board of Trustees (as of late 2025)
The District Five Board of Trustees provides vision and oversight, with members elected to four-year terms. The current board is responsible for approving major initiatives like the $200 million bond referendum and the annual budget.
- Jeff Boland
- Mark Cleveland
- Meredith Gergley
- Scott Clement
- Kevin Goode
- Millie Malone
- Alex Perez
- Sherri Taunton
The $200 Million Bond Referendum: A New Era of Infrastructure
On November 5, 2025, Spartanburg District 5 voters overwhelmingly approved a $200 million bond referendum, a monumental decision that will reshape the district’s physical landscape without raising taxes for residents. This strategic investment is primarily aimed at addressing significant enrollment growth, particularly in the southern end of the district, and modernizing aging facilities.
The bond package focuses on several large-scale construction and conversion projects designed to increase capacity and enhance specialized educational offerings.
Key Construction and Conversion Projects (Entity List)
- New Middle School Construction: A significant portion of the funds is dedicated to the construction of a brand-new middle school located in the southern end of the district, specifically to serve the growing Reidville and surrounding areas. This new facility will alleviate overcrowding at existing middle schools.
- New Duncan Elementary School of the Arts: The bond will fund the construction of a new facility for the Duncan Elementary School of the Arts, designed to support its specialized curriculum and growing student body.
- New Wellford Academy: The plan includes replacing the existing Wellford Academy with a completely new, modern facility.
- Berry Shoals Intermediate School Conversion: Berry Shoals Intermediate School will be converted into a dedicated K-5 elementary school campus, further increasing capacity at the foundational level.
These projects are not merely about adding space; they represent a commitment to 1:1 technology in classrooms and modern learning environments that align with the South Carolina College and Career Ready curriculum standards. The successful passage of the bond demonstrates a robust public faith in the district’s long-term vision.
Academic Performance, Demographics, and Future Budget Priorities (2025-2026)
Spartanburg School District 5 maintains a strong academic profile while serving a diverse and growing population. The latest data provides a clear picture of student achievement and the areas the 2025-2026 budget aims to support.
Current Academic and Demographic Snapshot
With an enrollment of approximately 10,670 students in the 2024 school year, SCSD5 operates with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, fostering a more personalized learning environment.
- Average Graduation Rate: The district boasts an impressive average high school graduation rate of 86%, with James F. Byrnes High School being a key contributor to this success.
- Student Proficiency: Recent assessments show the district's students are achieving a 58% proficiency rate in Reading and a 50% proficiency rate in Math. While these scores are competitive, they highlight student achievement as a continuous performance goal for the district.
- Student Demographics: The student body is diverse, with major groups including White students (55.6%), African American students (19.4%), and Hispanic students (15.7%). Additionally, approximately 46% of students qualify for Free/Reduced-Price Lunch, slightly lower than the state average, indicating a manageable level of economic diversity.
2025-2026 Budget Focus Areas
The Spartanburg District Five Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 budget with a clear commitment to supporting its employees and enhancing the learning environment. The new budget includes significant expansions in several critical areas:
- Teacher Salaries and Compensation: A primary focus is on expanding teacher salaries and compensation packages to recruit and retain high-quality educators, a common challenge across the state.
- Staffing Expansions: The budget allocates funds for additional staffing to manage the increased enrollment and maintain the district's favorable student-teacher ratio.
- Safety and Security: Enhanced safety measures and security staffing are a key component of the financial plan, ensuring a safe and caring environment for all students and staff.
The combination of robust local revenue, a successful bond initiative, and a budget prioritizing personnel and safety positions Spartanburg School District 5 for continued excellence. The district is not just reacting to growth but proactively building a future-ready educational system focused on the success of every student. The strategic investments in infrastructure and human capital demonstrate a holistic approach to maintaining its reputation as a top-tier district in South Carolina.
Detail Author:
- Name : Dr. Colten Dickens Jr.
- Username : vladimir81
- Email : fhilpert@hansen.biz
- Birthdate : 1991-11-09
- Address : 78154 Raphaelle Rapid Suite 858 Brownbury, KY 58935
- Phone : +14805595899
- Company : Volkman, Mueller and Larkin
- Job : Recreation Worker
- Bio : Atque molestiae ullam nemo. Officiis ut voluptas provident eaque sint. Placeat maxime vel consequuntur itaque id. Recusandae quasi numquam et laborum illum.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/jettie9779
- username : jettie9779
- bio : Et sed consectetur reiciendis sequi qui velit.
- followers : 5177
- following : 1271
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/jettie_xx
- username : jettie_xx
- bio : Dolores ut sapiente repellat veritatis sit. Eius repudiandae beatae architecto nemo. Unde nihil dolor blanditiis pariatur modi aut tempora.
- followers : 3597
- following : 2057
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@jettie_official
- username : jettie_official
- bio : Esse eum in quia consequatur. Rerum mollitia beatae ut temporibus ut pariatur.
- followers : 1255
- following : 1974
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/jettie_official
- username : jettie_official
- bio : Totam praesentium possimus natus dolor ex est maiores.
- followers : 4159
- following : 2073
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/pacocha1988
- username : pacocha1988
- bio : Et officiis eligendi sit. Veniam est voluptate eum blanditiis iure quidem voluptatem.
- followers : 1340
- following : 545
