BENNETTSVILLE — This past week the Marlboro County School District announced the selection of three highly qualified finalists to advance in the search for the district’s next Superintendent of Schools. Understanding the announcement is highly anticipated and of strong importance to district families, the board released information on each of its potential candidates as part of it’s ongoing push to be transparent. From the pool of possible candidates for the role of superintendent, the board narrowed down its selections to Dr. Carla G. Mathis, Dr. Elizabeth McDonald, and Sterling J. Mosby.
According to documents provided by the school district, all three candidates possess a professional record of competent leadership, instructional expertise, and a commitment to student success.
Dr. Carla G. Mathis
With 29 years of experience spanning district‑ and school‑level leadership under her belt, Dr. Carla G. Mathis brings an expansive knowledge of the education system. Drawing from this wealth of experience, Mathis has also developed strategies for how district leaders can improve. She has served in roles including teacher, academic facilitator, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, and executive director of schools.
Currently, Mathis supervises a collection of schools that serves approximately 3,500 students in Richland County School District [RCSD] One. As part of her supervisory role with the RCSD, Mathis monitors school budgets and resources, while still finding time to lead principal coaching, instructional improvement, and consistent districtwide efforts.
Throughout her career, Mathis has spearheaded improvement initiatives across North and South Carolina. Her efforts have contributed to increases in academic growth and proficiency, while Mathis has supported schools in their efforts to exit or avoid federal and state designations. Her prior role as a principal in the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg School system resulted in many notable increases in grade‑level proficiency, college‑ and career‑ready students, as well as student participation on state assessments for the district.
Mathis, who says she believes in courageous transformation through purposeful leadership, holds a North Carolina Superintendent’s Certification and is also working towards completing additional certification through South Carolina State University. She says her leadership philosophy is grounded in the guiding commitments “Every student. Every classroom. Every day.”
Dr. Elizabeth McDonald
Dr. Elizabeth McDonald currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Instruction in the School District of Oconee County. She leads system‑wide efforts in curriculum, instruction, and professional learning for ten elementary schools serving approximately 4,600 students. In an impressive display of leadership experience, McDonald’s lengthy career spans across all K–12 levels of education, including service as a high school social studies teacher, elementary assistant principal, and principal at both the elementary and middle school levels.
McDonald says her leadership is shaped by a strong foundation of both classroom practice and a commitment to building instructional systems that support educators and students alike.
McDonald was Named Teacher of the Year during multiple points in her career thanks to her continued committed to utilizing her experiences to strengthen her passion for instructional excellence and student‑centered leadership. Focusing on needs in rural school communities is an area of special interest for McDonald. Holding degrees in education, administration, and literacy, McDonald remains committed to collaborative leadership, educator development, and partnering with families and communities to ensure equitable outcomes for all students.
Sterling J. Mosby
A results‑driven educational leader with more than two decades of experience, Sterling J. Mosby carries a strong background in human resources, school leadership, and instructional improvement.
Serving as the MCSD’s Executive Director of Human Resources currently, Mosby manages personnel operations for over 600 employees and leads initiatives focused on teacher quality and retention. His role supports workforce stability and strengthens district capacity.
Previously, Mosby served as principal of Hannah‑Pamplico High School in Florence County School District Two.
Under his leadership Florence thrived, contributing to academic gains, improved End‑of‑Course assessment performances, and record‑setting SAT growth. Mosby’s experience also includes service as an assistant principal, instructional leader, and classroom teacher. Mosby holds advanced degrees in education and administration and has completed multiple state‑recognized leadership development programs.
Community Engagement
The Marlboro County School District encourages families, staff, and community members to attend the upcoming community meeting to learn more about each finalist and their vision for the district’s future.
The public forum is scheduled for April 13 at 5 p.m. at Marlboro County High School.