ST. MATTHEWS -- The Calhoun County Board of Trustees on July 15 approved the superintendent's recommendation for new employees and new positions for the 2024-2025 school year. Murdaugh A native of Moncks Corner, Christia Murdaugh has been named interim deputy superintendent of the Calhoun County School District.
Her educational journey began in Berkeley County Schools, culminating in her 1987 graduation from Cross High School. She earned a bachelor of arts in English from Morris College, followed by a Master's in Education from Southern Wesleyan University and an education specialist degree from Cambridge College. With 24 years of dedicated service in education, Christia has held various roles, including an English teacher at Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five, and subsequently, district instructional facilitator, curriculum specialist, director of curriculum and instruction, and chief academic officer at Calhoun County Public Schools.
Belief in her ability to foster academic excellence, she has led initiatives to enhance student achievement, implement strategic planning, and develop comprehensive systems for student progress tracking and data management. Her leadership extended to overseeing budgets, federal programs, and district assessments, while promoting transparency and excellence within the Office of Teaching and Learning. Local news has never been this personal.
Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Christia is an active member of educational organizations such as the South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators and the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.
She is also a member of the NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Zeta Omega Chapter, and United Women of Faith. At North Orangeburg United Methodist Church, she serves as music director, reflecting her dedication to both education and community engagement.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Christia was honored as the 2024 SCASBE District Personnel of the Year. She shares her life and achievements with her husband, Dr. Johnny Murdaugh, and their daughters, Sydney and Jahntia.
Mack Fred Shawn Mack, son of the late Orangeburg County Councilman Fred C. Mack and Mildred Mack (Reddick) Richardson, is a native of Bowman and the youngest of five children. He is a graduate of South Carolina State University with bachelor of arts in English education, a Master of Education in counselor education and an educational specialist in educational leadership.
As the newly hired ombudsman and coordinator of federal and alternative programs for Calhoun County Public Schools, Mack brings to the role a wealth of educational experience that spans 29-plus years. He most recently served three years as assistant principal at St. Matthews K8 School in the Calhoun County School District.
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Mack received his start in education as a high school reading and English teacher at Estill High School in Hampton School District Two. He then served as an instructor of English in freshman programs at South Carolina State University. From there, Mack served as a seventh-grade language arts teacher, English department chairperson, and middle school athletics coordinator at Bowman Middle/High School, as well as a guidance counselor at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in the former Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five.
He initiated his program leadership as the Eau Claire High School director of guidance in Richland School District One. Johnson Dr. Lawanda Johnson brings more than 24 years of dedicated experience in education to her role as assistant principal at Calhoun County High School for the 2024-2025 school year.
Her journey in education has been multifaceted, starting as a language arts teacher, school counselor and, most recently, assistant principal at Eau Claire High School in Richland School District One prior to assuming her current leadership position. Johnson's passion for nurturing every student's potential is deeply rooted in her belief that "there is a brilliant child locked inside every student," a philosophy she embraces from Marva Collins. The South Carolina Treasurer’s Office is withholding about $376,474 from Calhoun County because it did not meet the deadline to report its financial statements.
Originally from Elloree, Johnson has a profound connection to her community and a commitment to educational excellence. She is excited to collaborate with current leaders and contribute to the vibrant academic environment at Calhoun County High School. Beyond her professional endeavors, Johnson finds joy in the companionship of her beloved pet poodle, Coco.
Reford "I'm thrilled to join Sandy Run School as an assistant principal. As a small child, reading tales of adventure instilled a love of learning in me. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, my family includes my wife and our four beautiful young children.
For several years, I empowered students as an English teacher and later as an instructional coach. I'm excited to bring my experiences to Sandy Run School as we help students unlock their full potential," Russell Reford said. Myrick Jacqueline Myrick brings more than 17 years of experience and dedicated service to her new role.
She has served in many capacities to support teaching and learning. Myrick holds a master's degree in educational leadership from Southern Wesleyan University, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from South Carolina State University, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. "I am honored and excited to join the St.
Matthews K-8 team. Together, we will continue to foster a nurturing, inclusive, and academically challenging environment for all students," Myrick said. Jackson Karen Jackson is the director of nutrition services for the Calhoun County Public School District.
She brings a career of comprehensive experiences in senior administration roles within K-12 school nutrition services and the hospitality management industry. Her dynamic vigor comes with a smile and passion for her profession. She looks forward to working with the nutrition services team as a positive support of school meal offerings to the students of the Calhoun County community.
Karen is a South Carolina native with received a bachelor of science degree in hotel/restaurant/tourism administration from the University of South Carolina in Columbia and a Master of Business Administration and Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix. Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox..
