By David Meade
The Anderson School District One Board of Trustees unanimously named Associate Superintendent David Havird as their new superintendent. Havird will take over the position effective July 1 and will serve for the 2013-14 school year ending June, 2014.
“I feel it is an honor to be chosen as a superintendent-elect by the Anderson School District One Board of Trustees,” Havird said. “I’ll have the opportunity to provide continued leadership and support to a competent, capable, and caring group of administrators, teachers and staff. I am constantly amazed at their dedication, creativity and hard work on behalf of the students within the district.”
Havird will fill the position which is coming open due to the retirement of current superintendent Dr. Wayne Fowler at the end of the school year.
“It was a pleasure for me as a long-time administrator in Anderson School District One to be considered by the Board as a potential successor to Dr. Fowler. The Board sets the visions for the school district and is a very strong advocate for public education for our community and state. I am excited about the opportunity to work with these dedicated indivduals as they provide guidance and leadership for the future of the district.”
Havird worked with Dr. Fowler and the Board through tough budget times over the last few years and through the District’s recent building program.
“Under Dr. Fowler and the school board’s leadership, the district has maintained an “Excellent” report card, improved school facilities, enhanced technology, and provided sound and prudent decision-,making throughout the budget process,” Havird said. “Part of my responsibility will be to make sure there will be a smooth transition and keep the district’s focus on continuous improvement in these areas.”
Havird has worked in District One since 1991, serving as Principal at Wren Primary from 1991-1998. Prior to coming to the district, Havird was Principal at Greenville Street Elementary in Abbeville County from 1980 to 1991.
Havird was named Assistant Superintendent in District One in 1998 and was primarily over Administration and Personnel Service. He was named Associate Superintendent in 2005, a position he has since served in overseeing administration, personnel services and budgeting.
“The district’s focus is on maintaining a highly qualified staff that engages students in learning, with a continued emphasis on new technologies that assist our students in the area of problem solving,” Havird said. “Without a doubt, the strength of our district is our many talented teachers and administrators.”
Havird has a Masters +30 Specialist Degree in School Administration and Supervision from Clemson University and a Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Erskine College and a Professional Certificate with endorsements in areas of Biology, Health and Physical Education, elementary Principal and superintendent.
Havird is a member of the S. C. Association of School Administrators, Personnel Division; he is on the Educational Leadership Advisory Committee at Clemson University and the Arts and Sciences Advisory Committee at Tri-County Technical College.
Havird is a Charter member of the Erskine College Athletic Hall of Fame and serves as an Elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Board Chairman Fred Alexander said that the board made the decision to hire from within the district rather than doing a search because Havird not only had the administrative skills, but is a proven, experienced and excellent leader and he also knows the communities District One serves.
