The Cherokee County School District has appointed Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick as its new superintendent following a comprehensive year-long search. Dr. Fitzpatrick, a former principal of Gaffney High School, will officially begin his role in January 2026, bringing a clear agenda focused on improving student performance and teacher retention.
His appointment comes after a period of leadership instability, with the district operating under an interim superintendent for the last 18 months. Dr. Fitzpatrick aims to address key challenges, including low test scores and graduation rates, to better prepare students for post-secondary success.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, former Gaffney High School principal, is the new superintendent for Cherokee County School District.
- His primary goals are to raise test scores, increase the graduation rate to 100%, and improve college and career readiness.
- The district's 8th-grade math scores show only 16% of students meeting expectations, a key area of concern.
- Dr. Fitzpatrick will also focus on recruiting and retaining qualified teachers to address local shortages.
A New Era of Leadership for Cherokee County
The Cherokee County School District Board of Education has concluded its extensive search for a permanent leader, selecting Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick for the role of superintendent. The decision, announced in early October 2025, marks the end of a period of transition that saw the district managed by an interim leader for a year and a half.
Dr. Fitzpatrick is a familiar face in the community, having served as the principal of Gaffney High School from 2013 to 2019. His experience within the district provides him with a foundational understanding of its strengths and challenges as he prepares to take office in January 2026.
A Tumultuous Leadership Transition
The search for a new superintendent followed a series of administrative changes. In February 2024, former superintendent Dr. Dana Fall accepted a position with Spartanburg School District 4, but the offer was rescinded on the same day it was announced. The Cherokee County School Board subsequently placed Dr. Fall on administrative leave. He officially resigned in March 2024, leading the board to appoint Dr. Thomas White as Interim Superintendent a month later. The search process culminated in the selection of three finalists in January 2025, with Dr. Fitzpatrick ultimately being chosen for the position.
Addressing Academic Performance Head-On
One of Dr. Fitzpatrick's most pressing priorities is to improve student academic outcomes. He has openly expressed concern about the district's current test scores, which indicate significant room for improvement. Data from the South Carolina Department of Education reveals a challenging landscape for student achievement.
Current District Performance Statistics
- 8th Grade English: Only 38% of students meet or exceed expectations.
- 8th Grade Math: Just 16% of students meet or exceed expectations.
- Graduation Rate: The district's current graduation rate is approximately 80%.
The Importance of Early Education
Dr. Fitzpatrick believes that addressing these academic gaps must begin long before middle school. He has stressed the critical importance of early learning and kindergarten readiness as a cornerstone of his strategy for long-term student success. He argues that students who start their academic careers behind face a significant challenge in catching up.
"If indeed, we can get students ready for kindergarten, then they don’t come to us behind. When students come to us behind, they spend the next 12 years trying to catch up," Dr. Fitzpatrick stated.
His approach suggests a focus on strengthening foundational skills in the district's elementary schools to build a stronger pipeline for academic achievement in later grades.
A Vision for Post-Graduation Success
Beyond improving test scores, Dr. Fitzpatrick has set an ambitious goal of achieving a 100% graduation rate. However, his vision extends beyond simply awarding diplomas. He is focused on ensuring that every graduate from the Cherokee County School District has a concrete plan for their future, whether it involves higher education or entering the workforce.
Enhancing College and Career Readiness
To achieve this, Dr. Fitzpatrick plans to expand opportunities for students to earn valuable credentials while still in high school. This includes increasing access to dual-credit courses, which provide college credit, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes.
For students pursuing vocational paths, he intends to strengthen the district's career and technical education programs. The goal is for students to graduate not only with a high school diploma but also with tangible skills and certifications that make them immediately employable.
"We want to make sure when they go to college, they not only leave us with a high school diploma, but they also have some dual credits or some AP credits," he explained. "We want to make sure when they leave us they not only have a high school diploma, but they also have industry certification through our career center."
Tackling the Teacher Shortage
Dr. Fitzpatrick recognizes that student success is directly tied to the quality of educators in the classroom. Another key component of his strategic plan is to address the ongoing teacher shortage that affects Cherokee County and many other districts across the state and nation.
His strategy will involve two main components: recruitment and retention. He aims to make the Cherokee County School District an attractive destination for new, highly qualified teachers. Simultaneously, he plans to implement programs and create a supportive work environment that encourages experienced educators to remain with the district long-term.
By focusing on building a stable and talented teaching staff, Dr. Fitzpatrick hopes to create the consistent, high-quality instructional environment necessary to drive the academic improvements he envisions for the district. His tenure as superintendent is set to begin with a clear and comprehensive plan for change.
