Dorchester Dist. 2 board names new superintendent

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - A months-long search for Dorchester County School District 2′s first new superintendent in more than 20 years is over.

Board members voted at a special called meeting Monday to select Dr. William “Shane” Robbins after a debate about concerns brought to the board about his candidacy.

The board voted 5-2 to hire Robbins.

DD2 Board Chair Gail Hughes telephoned Robbins during the meeting to inform him of the vote’s results.

“I’m both honored and very humbled by the opportunity. It’s always about service and the opportunity to serve children, staff and the community of Dorchester County,” he said. “So, you know, I speak on behalf of both my wife, Heather, and myself, we just want to say thank you and I would just end with this little saying that has meant a lot to me in my career and that is, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ And I’m just happy that I get to be part of that village.”

Robbins will succeed Joseph Pye, who will retire at the end of this school year. Hughes said the board will offer a three-year contract to Robbins.

Robbins has served as the Superintendent for the Kershaw County School District since 2018. Prior to this, Robbins served as the Superintendent for Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation in Fortville, Indiana for three years, and the Superintendent for Northwestern Consolidated School District in Fairland, Indiana for three years.

Addressing concerns raised from information board members said they received from emails and conversations with the community, Board Member Ashley Wimberly addressed the community about the board’s selection just before the vote.

“For those of you who have concerns about you know, things that you might have heard he’s done in his district, things that worry you, you know, we still are here. You have the seven of us and I hope that you will trust that we know what’s important to this community and to our schools, our staff, our teachers, our children, and we aren’t going to lose sight of that,” she said. “So, yes, we’re asking you to trust us, but I can promise you, we are invested in his success and making sure that he understands what our vision is and what we expect, and what we want for this district and for each of you out there listening and for all of our children.”

Over the past few weeks, three finalists, Robbins, Dr. Brenda Hafner, and Dr. Wesley “Todd” Trimble have been meeting with the community at district headquarters.

After those meet-and-greets, parents were sent surveys that asked for their feedback on each of the candidates, something Board Chair Gail Hughes has said is an important factor in their decision.

Last week, all three candidates presented their plans for their first 45 days on the job if they were to be hired, in their last chance to make an impression to the board and the community.

Current superintendent Joesph Pye announced in November that he will be retiring at the end of the school year after spending over 50 years in education.

Hughes said last week that the board is seeking a three-year contract with its new superintendent and contract negotiations began last week.

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