Announcement from the Superintendent
Dr. Chuck Epps declared at the start of the meeting that he would be leaving his position as Fort Mill School District superintendent on June 30, 2025. His remarkable 49-year career in education, of which 45 were spent with the Fort Mill School District, comes to an end with his retirement.
As a teacher’s assistant, coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal, administrator, and, for the last 15 years, superintendent, Dr. Epps has held a variety of positions over his tenure. The district has almost doubled in size under his direction, and it continues to rank among South Carolina’s best-performing districts. He has created a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere among the community and personnel in spite of this quick expansion.
In his capacity as superintendent, Dr. Epps has played a key role in cultivating an exceptional group of teachers and leaders, many of whom have gone on to have a major influence in other districts. Beyond his leadership role, he has a strong bond with Fort Mill; he is a proud Fort Mill alumnus. His contributions will continue to influence the district for many years to come, and his legacy is evident in the high caliber of education that has been given to successive generations of children.
A note from Dr. Epps that he shared during the conference is included at the conclusion of the highlights.
In order to facilitate a seamless transition for the incoming superintendent, Dr. Epps has also committed to remain with the district through December 2025 in a support capacity. The following stages for choosing his replacement will be decided by the school board, and further information will be released as soon as they are decided.
Extra Special Thanks
- Recognition of student Tyler Hooks and teacher Tiana Scott for Program of Studies Cover Design
Overview of the High School Representatives for the Fort Mill History Museum Board
The high school student representatives from each of the district’s three high schools who will be on the board of the Fort Mill History Museum were introduced by Ashley Taylor, board chair of the museum:
- Catawba Ridge Shikha Akuraju
- Fort Mill Macey Simpson
- Nation Ford Ayden Blackmon
Highlight of the School: Pleasant Knoll Elementary
Pleasant Knoll Elementary School staff members and Principal Chad Allen discussed the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) approach to behavior and life skills. The Put Your Best PAW Forward school-wide effort and all three levels of education were the main topics of the presentation.
Update on Monthly Financial and Impact Fees
The monthly report on impact fees and finances was given by Mrs. Leanne Lordo.
Financial Report for the Month
- December 31 Six Month in Fiscal Year (half fiscal year)
- Total Revenue $101,743,158
The total amount spent was $106,448,257.
Cash flow decrease ($4,705,099) utilizing fund balance
- Real Estate taxes $19,117,924 (Last Year $18,024,310)
- Vehicle tax collections $1,800,939
- Fee-in-Lieu taxes $2,885,648
Impact Charges
- Total collected to date $73,034,370
- To Date, Interest Earned on Impact Fees $6,930,336
- Single Family units 2,855/Multi Family 1,764/ Total 4,619 Units
- January had 28 homes and 13 multi-family units added
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Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Single Family
- Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 $7,989,520 or 440 SF Units (22.2% more)
- Jan 2023 to Jan 2024 $6,536,880 or 360 Units
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Comparable data for 12 months rolling for Multi Family
- Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 $1,117,860 or 93 MF Units (36.3% less)
- Jan 2023 to Jan 2024 $1,754,920 or 146 Units
- Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 $7,989,520 or 440 SF Units (22.2% more)
- Jan 2023 to Jan 2024 $6,536,880 or 360 Units
- Jan 2024 to Jan 2025 $1,117,860 or 93 MF Units (36.3% less)
- Jan 2023 to Jan 2024 $1,754,920 or 146 Units
Average Collections for the Year 2024: $839,615
January 2025: $664,684 in actual collections
Key Dates for the State Budget House
- 18 20, House Ways and Means Committee will meet to consider and approve its FY 2025-26 State budget plan.
- 11 13, Full House deliberates on the proposed budget plan.
The new impact fee
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York County Council 1
st
Reading and Public Hearing Monday, March 3
Overview of Monthly Finances
Impact Fee Report
Updates to Instructional Technology
The Information Technology Department’s Mr. Brian Spittle and his group gave a presentation on their Goal-Based Coaching Model for Technology Integration. A new four-step technique called the Technology Integration Goal-Based Coaching Model was created to give instructors individualized professional development in creative teaching methods that successfully incorporate technology to improve learning outcomes and student engagement. This methodology offers a more individualized and goal-oriented approach to technology integration, which is a change from the prior strategy. In a range of subject areas and grade levels, educators have effectively applied the concept to enhance student engagement and learning results. With the use of student examples and a brief movie featuring teacher testimonies, the technology integration team is highlighting educators who are utilizing the coaching approach to creatively and successfully integrate technology with their students.
Initial Reading of the 4K Facility’s Naming
Mr. Grey Young gave a first reading of the approved Early Childhood Center’s suggested name, colors, and mascot. Included in the proposal are:
- Name: Paradise Early Childhood Center
- Colors: Blue Sea Star and Yellow
- Mascot: Dolphins
Acceptance of Bond Resolution for Reimbursement from Certain Tax-Exempt Obligations’ Proceeds.
The Bond Resolution to Reimburse from the Proceeds of Certain Tax-Exempt Obligations was approved by the board. This resolution permits the district to pay back expenses for projects covered by the bond approval up to 60 days before the bond was issued.
Report of the Superintendent
In February 2025, Dr. Chuck Epps gave a summary of forthcoming events and an enrollment update. Including the withdrawal of 76 winter graduates from enrollment, the district had 18,407 enrolled pupils at the time of the report.Reminder: Students can make up the lost instruction time from the watermain problem last semester on Friday, February 14, an eLearning day.Please click the calendar link below to view the full schedule of activities.
Update on Enrollment
Events Calendar
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Epps’s letter:
February 4, 2025
The feelings I have as I announce my retirement as the Fort Mill School District’s superintendent are hard to express. In order to facilitate a seamless transition, I have agreed to work with the incoming Superintendent through December 31, 2025, even though my formal retirement date is June 30, 2025.
My professional life has been a privilege to serve this district. I have had the honor of working with devoted teachers, staff, board members, parents, and community members for the past 45 years in Fort Mill and 49 years in public education overall. They are all dedicated to the same goal: giving our students the finest education possible. I have been privileged to serve one of the best school systems in South Carolina and the country for the last 15 years as superintendent, and I am incredibly appreciative of the confidence that has been placed in me throughout that time.
Achieving this milestone is a result of the growth, learning, and teamwork experiences I have had here. I have personally witnessed what can be achieved when a community unites behind a common educational goal. The remarkable individuals that comprise our school family are directly responsible for the Fort Mill School District’s success, which is based on a tradition of quality.
Together, we have managed to preserve a solid academic foundation while navigating incredible growth. I am particularly pleased of the community’s dedication to making sure every child has access to the tools they need to succeed and of our ability to maintain high levels of student accomplishment in the face of tremendous expansion. This district continues to value kids at every step of their educational journey, as evidenced by the recent funding for our 4-year-old Early Childhood Center. The district will be able to better prepare all students for academic success throughout their most critical years thanks to this facility.
The connections I have made with so many of you are what I will value most as I get ready to finish this chapter of my career. Fort Mill is my family; it’s more than simply an area. The exceptional team we have put together in the district has supported us in remaining a cohesive community where each person’s contributions are valued despite every setback and victory. It is my sincere hope and prayer that the next leader of this district will carry forward this culture of connection, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to our students that is highly unique to Fort Mill.
I appreciate you letting me share in this amazing adventure. I will forever be grateful for the years I have spent here and for the lifelong friendships and memories I take with me.
Collaborating in Education,
James N. Chuck Epps, Superintendent
Fort Mill School Board meetings can be viewed live or on demand on the district s YouTube channel or with the link below.