Havird announces retirement at end of school year

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2082

By David Meade
Anderson School District One Superintendent David Havird announced this week that he will retire at the end of this school year.
Havird has served in the district for the past 27 years as a principal, assistant superintendent, associate superintendent and superintendent.
Havird sent a letter notifying the Board of his intentions in December and his resignation was approved as part of the personnel recommendation voted on during the Jan. 30 meeting of the board.
“This decision comes after much careful deliberation, family consideration and heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community in northern Anderson County and its Tradition of Excellence,” Havird said. “It has been a blessing to serve 44 years in South Carolina’s public education system, and specifically in Anderson School District One.”
Havird said his time in District One “has been most rewarding, fulfilling, challenging, exciting, goal oriented and extremely gratifying. It has been a privilege and honor to work closely with each of our board members, whose commitment, dedication and leadership is second to none.”
Havird thanked the board for giving him the opportunity to serve the district in many capacities and for their guidance and support.
“It has been a privilege and honor to work closely with each of our board members, whose commitment, dedication and leadership is second to none.”
Havird attributed the continued success the District has seen under his direction to the support of the school board, teachers and staff and the community.
“I have been part of a wonderful team and collaboration that is something rare and exceptional. The successes the district has achieved are many, and are directly attributable to a talented school board which desires continuous improvement, a most professional, capable, competent and caring group of educators and support staff, a tremendously dedicated and hardworking group of school leaders, a well prepared, passionate and creative district leadership team and a supportive community that values education.”
“Anderson School District One’s culture is unique and special. In our district we always manage to have a sustained, relentless effort to getting better, despite the challenges of the public education profession,” Havird said. “The primary reason for this is a deep commitment to children embedded in the culture of this district, thereby allowing every employee to be dedicated to achieving the meaningful results for each student.”
‘My time spent in Anderson School District One will forever be a significant part of who I am,” Havird said. “I will continue to be one of the district’s biggest fans. Truly, the best days are ahead for the students.”
As Superintendent, Havird guided District One through a referendum which voters approved in 2008 for $85,750,000 to improve school facilities.
He then led the district through a ten year capital improvement plan capped by three years of improvements funded by the one cent sales tax which began in March of 2015.
The building program included eight room additions at elementary and middle schools and Palmetto High, cafeteria and kitchen improvements, security improvements and athletic field houses, weight rooms and other facility upgrades. Most of the projects were completed between 2009 and 2011, including construction of the new Powdersville High School in 2011.
The Local Option Sales Tax was implemented in 2015, and has allowed the District to make numerous capital improvements at all schools and reduce debt service.
During his time as Superintendent, Anderson School District One has remained one of the premier school district’s in the state, with students performing at the highest levels on SAT, ACT, SCReady, End of Course and Work Keys testing.