News Summary
Florence School District 3’s Superintendent, Dr. Laura Hickson, has announced her retirement effective May 30, 2025. With over 40 years in education, Dr. Hickson has focused on student safety, improved teacher retention, and provided additional resources to support student learning. Her departure marks significant changes ahead for the district as they prepare for a transition in leadership. The community expresses deep gratitude for her dedication and the positive impact she has made during her tenure.
Florence School District 3 Superintendent Announces Retirement Plans
Florence, SC – Exciting changes are in the air for Florence School District 3 as Superintendent Dr. Laura Hickson has recently made a big announcement about her upcoming retirement. After nearly a decade of steadfast service, Dr. Hickson’s departure is set to take effect on May 30, 2025—that’s plenty of time for everyone to soak in the many contributions she’s made to the district.
A Stellar Career in Education
Dr. Hickson took on the role of Superintendent back in July 2015 after an impressive stint as the district’s assistant superintendent for instruction for three years prior. Her decades-long journey in education began way back in 1983, when she started her career as an elementary and middle school teacher. With over four decades of experience under her belt, it’s safe to say she’s seen quite a lot of change and growth—not just in the district, but in the education landscape as a whole.
A Commitment to Student Safety
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Hickson focused heavily on the importance of student safety, making it a top priority. Her efforts led to some significant upgrades across the district, including the installation of intercoms and video capabilities at school entrances. Access control systems were also added at several schools, including Lake City High School and Dr. Ronald E. McNair Junior High School. These enhancements have certainly made a positive impact on the way students and faculty feel within the school environment.
Improving Teacher Retention
One of her major accomplishments has been improving the teacher retention rate within the district. This isn’t just great for staff morale, but it also translates into better educational experiences for students. Happy teachers lead to happy students, and that’s a philosophy Dr. Hickson firmly believes in.
Support and Resources for Students
Dr. Hickson also took a proactive approach to support student learning outside the classroom. She initiated free tutoring centers for students who needed that extra bit of help and formed valuable partnerships with institutions like USC’s Darla Moore School of Business. This means students had access to resources that went beyond the school’s walls, helping to pave the way for future opportunities.
The Transition Ahead
Now that Dr. Hickson has announced her retirement, the next step involves a transition period for Florence School District 3. Her dedication to ensuring a smooth handover to the incoming interim superintendent shows her commitment to the district’s ongoing success. Although she’ll be stepping down, she hasn’t forgotten about the students, staff, and community who have supported her throughout the years.
A Heartfelt Farewell
During a recent special meeting, the Board of Trustees officially accepted Dr. Hickson’s resignation and expressed deep appreciation for her commitment and the positive changes she has brought to the district. The outpouring of gratitude from the community reflects the significant role she played in shaping Florence School District 3 and its future.
As the countdown to her retirement begins, the Florence community has a lot to celebrate. Dr. Hickson leaves behind a legacy of improvement, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the success and safety of every student. Here’s to her next chapter, and a heartfelt goodbye from all of us who have been lucky enough to witness her influence over the years!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florence School District 3 Says Goodbye to Superintendent
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence School District Superintendent Resigns
- WBTW: Florence School District 3 Superintendent Set to Retire
- WMBF News: Superintendent Florence School District 3 Set to Retire
- Google Search: Florence School District 3
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Superintendent
