MARLBORO COUNTY — The Marlboro County School District met Monday night to select a new superintendent, voting in favor of Dr. Carla. G. Mathis over the board’s earlier announced candidates in a 5-4 vote. Mathis was previously named along with Dr. Elizabeth McDonald and Sterling Mosby in the district’s released shortlist of top three selected candidates.
Mathis is expected to assume the role of Superintendent of Marlboro County Schools for the 2026-27 school year, replacing State Technical Assistance Director Michael Thorsland.
Prior to the board’s vote, discussion turned contentious with many board members questioning the need for the state’s continued involvement with the board.
The close margin of the vote reflects disagreement between some members.
When asked by Vice Chair Michael Toms if the board wished to discuss the matter further prior to voting, only District 3’s representative Nikki Pruitt voiced misgivings regarding the new superintendent and her communication style.
“I highly oppose because I think that she will come in and she’s very rough around the edges, and she’s very well experienced,” Pruitt said.
In spite of her concerns, Pruitt expressed a willingness to cooperate with Mathis.
“I’m willing to work with her if that’s what the board wants to do,” she said, though she added, “But the way she tried to get information from the board, I think a simple ask would have gotten her that information,” she said. “But to do a FOIA request, to me, comes off very abrasive.”
Voting 5-4 in favor of Mathis, board members Danny Driggers, Brian Sweatt, Nikki Lynn Pruitt and Levander McRae Jr. voted against, while votes cast by Michael Coachman, Dr. Rippin McLeod Jr., David Flowers, Michael Toms, and Angela Galloway pushed Mathis over the finish line.
Following the vote, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) released a statement hinting at frustration with the board’s decision:
“Tonight, a majority of the Marlboro board chose to ignore the clear results of community feedback, their previous deliberations, and the terms of their financial takeover by advancing a hiring decision without SCDE’s prior approval. As the South Carolina Department of Education works with the board to understand the rationale for disregarding their community’s perspective, we will continue to review all available options to create stability, ensure effective leadership, and build a better educational future for Marlboro’s students, educators, and community.”
Though concerns were raised at Monday’s meeting, the new superintendent is bringing 29 years of public education with her, including working hands on in the classroom as a teacher, all the way up the ladder to district administrator. Mathis currently works for Richland County School District One, overseeing a cluster of schools that serves about 3,500 students.
As district administrator, Mathis oversees school-level budgets, leads initiatives focused on strengthening instruction, improving consistency across the district, and bolstering the professional growth of principals.
Her education and certifications include a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, an MBA in Human Resource Management, School Administration certification, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Education.
Mathis will succeed the district’s interim superintendent State Technical Assistance Director Michael Thorsland, who has served as interim superintendent since November, following the departure of former superintendent Dr. Helena Tillar.