School District Five has named administrator Dr. Gerald Gary as its new Chief Operations Officer. Gary will replace Dave Weissman who retired in January.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work in this new role, as we continue to upgrade and improve our facilities district-wide,” Gary said. “As we continue to move forward for our children and their future, it is vital for our schools to have safe and productive environments where all students can learn and grow.”
Gary has served as the principal of Dutch Fork High School since July 2017. Prior to his role at the high school, he served as principal of Dutch Fork Middle School for four years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Francis Marion University in 1998, a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina in 2004 and a doctorate of education in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2007.
Gary began his career in education teaching eighth grade language arts at Blythewood Middle School in 1999. After three years there, Gary spent a year as lead teacher at Blythewood Academy and three years at Summit Parkway Middle School as an assistant principal. Before becoming principal at Dutch Fork Middle, Gary spent eight years as an elementary school principal in Kershaw County and at Leaphart Elementary in School District Five.
Under the leadership of Gary, Dutch Fork High School was named a Palmetto’s Finest School in May 2020. Gary was also named South Carolina’s 2017 Middle Level Principal of the Year by SC Association of School Administrators (SCASA) and was named the 2021 South Carolina Secondary Level Principal of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr. said, “Form Follows Function.” These are the words of the famous architect Louis Sullivan. As School District Five undergoes a transition with a new structure, new construction, and new attendance lines, we are fortunate to have a leader who will ensure the “Form” of Operations aligns with the instructional functions of our Academic Program. Dr. Gerald Gary is a highly regarded school leader with state-wide recognition in leadership, finance, and school operations. He has demonstrated his ability to maximize the potential of school leaders, teachers, staff, the community, and students. I am honored to welcome Dr. Gary to his new role and look forward to what he will bring to the future of School District Five.”
