News Summary
Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick is appointed as the new superintendent of Cherokee County School District, effective January 1, 2026.
Cherokee County, South Carolina – Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick has been appointed as the new superintendent of Cherokee County School District, effective January 1, 2026. This decision was made unanimously by the district’s board on October 8, 2025, marking a significant step in the leadership transition of the district.
Dr. Fitzpatrick comes to his new role after most recently serving as the superintendent of Lancaster County Schools since October 2023. His previous experience includes roles as principal at Gaffney High School from 2013 to 2019, where he established a strong presence in local education. Following his tenure there, he took on the position of assistant superintendent and district ombudsman for the Greenville County School District.
As a parent of children who will attend the Cherokee County School District, Dr. Fitzpatrick expressed his enthusiasm and deep commitment to serving the community he holds personally meaningful. His educational background underscores his dedication to leadership in education; he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from West Virginia State University in 1997, a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies from Marshall University in 1999, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University in 2012. Additionally, he has participated in important leadership training, including the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and the Harvard EdRedesign Place-Based Education Leader Design Fellowship in 2025.
Dr. Fitzpatrick’s diverse professional journey features roles such as graduate assistant, defensive line coach, adjunct professor, teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal at Carver Middle School, along with district-level administrative experience. His extensive background is viewed as a valuable asset for his leadership within the district.
Until Dr. Fitzpatrick officially assumes his position in January, the interim superintendent, Dr. Thomas White, will continue in his role, which he has held since February 2025. The Cherokee County School District Board of Trustees is set to approve Dr. Fitzpatrick’s contract during their regular meeting at 6 p.m. on October 13, 2025.
Dr. Fitzpatrick’s leadership vision emphasizes positioning Cherokee County School District as one of the premier educational systems in South Carolina. He is focused on fostering a collaborative environment with students, educators, and community stakeholders, underscoring the significant role that partnerships play in advancing educational goals.
The board expressed their confidence in Dr. Fitzpatrick’s capability to drive innovative practices and lead the district toward success. Board Chair Shanese Dawkins mentioned that the board is excited about Dr. Fitzpatrick’s appointment, highlighting the passion he brings to the role.
The search for a new superintendent followed a thorough process after the departure of former Superintendent Dana Fall. This involved extensive community input and evaluations to ensure the best fit for the district’s future leadership needs.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Cherokee County School District Announces New Superintendent
- Wikipedia: Cherokee County, South Carolina
- Gaffney Ledger: Fitzpatrick is Cherokee County’s Next Superintendent
- Google Search: Cherokee County superintendent
- Post and Courier: Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Search
- Google Scholar: Cherokee County school leadership
- WSPA: Former Gaffney High Principal Named New Cherokee County Superintendent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cherokee County South Carolina
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