School District Five has named Allen Knotts the Interim Chief Operations Officer for the district. He will replace Dr. Gerald Gary who is leaving the district to become superintendent for the Sumter School District.
Knotts has been serving the district since August 2022 as Director of Facilities. Before joining the district, Knotts served as director of engineering at University Health Care System, where he handled engineering and plant operations for multiple facilities totaling over 1000 beds. Knotts also served as the Director of Engineering at McLeod Health and as an engineering operations manager at Palmetto Health in Columbia. While at Palmetto Health, Knotts helped with building Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge. Knotts is also acting 1st Sergeant of the G6 with the South Carolina National Guard, based out of Joint Force HQ.
“I am honored to step into this new role as we continue to enhance the learning environment for our students and staff,” Knotts said. “Ensuring a safe, productive space where every student can thrive remains my top priority and is essential to our community’s success.”
Knotts received his associates degree in applied science from Midlands Technical College and his bachelors of science in technology management from Excelsior College. He earned his masters in business administration from Western Governors University. He is also a certified Journeyman Electrician and MGI Health Care Electrician.
“Mr. Knotts has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to supporting our schools through his work as Director of Facilities,” said School District Five Superintendent Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr. “His experience, collaborative approach, and deep understanding of district operations make him well prepared to step into the role of Interim Chief Operations Officer. I am confident he will continue to make a positive impact as he helps lead our operational efforts in support of our students, staff, and school communities.”
