Education News

School board extends superintendent’s contract
The Beaufort County School District Board of Education has extended Superintendent Frank Rodriguez’s contract for one year following his annual evaluation for the 2024–25 school year.

Rodriguez, who began serving as superintendent on July 1, 2019, received a total composite score of 3.80 on a 4-point scale, rated as “highly effective overall,” according to a Feb. 18 statement from the board.

Based on the evaluation results, board members unanimously voted to extend Rodriguez’s contract through June 30, 2030. The board also approved a 5% increase in his base salary, raising it to $297,923.83.

The evaluation instrument was unchanged from the prior year and includes 32 questions tied to five professional practice components weighted at 45% of the overall score, along with three measurable components weighted at 55%.

The five professional practice categories and their average scores were: governance and board relations, 3.73; community relations, 3.71; staff relations, 3.70; business and finance, 3.84; and instructional leadership, 3.61. The composite professional practice score was 3.71.

The measurable components were scored as follows: student achievement, 3.79; teacher recruitment and retention, 3.88; and financial oversight, 4.0.

Board members completed individual evaluations, which were then compiled and shared with Rodriguez and the board, according to the district. Scoring options ranged from 1, defined as ineffective, to 4, defined as highly effective.

The Beaufort County School District serves students across Beaufort County, including Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and surrounding communities.

Bluffton Principal Receives Peggy May Inspiration Award

Dr. Kathleen Corley, principal of Red Cedar Elementary School, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Peggy May Inspiration Award by the Foundation for Educational Excellence.

Corley was surprised with the honor during a recent districtwide meeting of Beaufort County School District principals and administrators. Foundation Chair Carole Ramsey said Corley’s dedication to students and educators reflects the spirit of the award, which recognizes individuals connected to county public schools whose professional accomplishments inspire others.

Corley began her career as a music teacher in Illinois and later served as a principal in Virginia and Massachusetts. After relocating to Bluffton in 1999, she became the founding principal of Bluffton Elementary School and opened Red Cedar Elementary in 2009. She continues to serve as principal and in 2024 published her first book, The Magical Place We Call School.

The award is named for the late Peggy May, a former county and state director of adult literacy and past foundation board chair. Since 2009, the foundation has awarded more than $400,000 in grants to Beaufort County teachers and students.

Education Brief: Love House Learning Academy Receives $15,000 Financial Literacy Grant

Love House Learning Academy has received a $15,000 grant from Power:Ed to launch a financial literacy program serving approximately 75 Beaufort County middle school students.
The grant, announced Feb. 18, will support lessons in budgeting, saving and responsible spending for students in grades six through eight. Theresa A. Roberts, executive director of Love House Learning Academy, said the program is designed to prepare youth for future economic independence.

Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons said the organization is pleased to support the afterschool initiative, which incorporates mentoring and career pathway exploration. Founded in 2019 as the philanthropic arm of SC Student Loan Corporation, Power:Ed awards quarterly grants supporting education and career readiness programs across South Carolina.

Education Brief: Beaufort County Dedicates Renovated Library at James J. Davis Center
The Beaufort County School District dedicated a renovated library Feb. 12 at James J. Davis Early Learning Center in honor of Pastor James E. Moore.

District leaders, families and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the redesigned space, which serves children from birth through age 5. Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez described Moore as a longtime advocate for students and public education in the Whale Branch community.

The updated library includes hands-on literacy and STEAM learning stations designed to support early childhood development. The dedication was held during the district’s inaugural James J. Davis Day and coincided with its fifth annual African American Education History Conference.