The Clarendon County School District Board of Trustees gave Superintendent Dr. Shawn Johnson an overall satisfactory performance evaluation Monday, Nov. 2, while recognizing academic progress and student achievements across the district.
The evaluation followed an executive session during the board’s regular monthly meeting, during which trustees reviewed Johnson’s performance, discussed personnel matters and received legal advice concerning district properties.
Board Chairman Johnny Bonaparte announced the evaluation results after trustees returned to open session, reading a statement recognizing the district’s accomplishments while emphasizing the need for continued improvement.
“The board thanks Dr. Johnson for his continued emphasis on the district academic progress,” Bonaparte said, also recognizing the district’s receipt of the 2025 Carnegie Innovation and Impact Award.
Trustees highlighted the district’s performance on the 2026 South Carolina School Report Cards, with all nine schools receiving overall ratings of Average or higher. East Clarendon High School earned an Excellent rating, while Manning Junior High School received a Good rating.
“Student achievement remains our top priority,” Bonaparte said, adding that the board expects Johnson to continue strengthening and refining educational programs for students throughout the district.
The board also expressed appreciation for Johnson and district staff for their work during the evaluation period.
District celebrates achievements
Academic performance and student accomplishments were also highlighted during a presentation by Dr. Keisa Carr, the district’s communications director.
Carr recognized East Clarendon High School and Manning Junior High School for their state report card ratings, along with Principal Laura Fleming and Dr. Anthony Williams for their leadership.
The district’s Office of Nutrition, led by Director Gwen Phillips, was recognized as one of the state’s top five school food authorities through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Certified SC Cafeteria program, earning a $10,000 award for its commitment to purchasing locally grown food.
Launched in January, the program encourages schools to purchase South Carolina-grown fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products while supporting local farmers and providing healthier meal options for students. Clarendon County was among 15 districts recognized statewide, with the top five receiving $10,000 each. The award money must be used to purchase additional local foods or equipment to help cafeterias prepare and serve them.
Walker Gamble Elementary School received recognition for outstanding student attendance during August, September and October.
Two Manning High School students were honored for their accomplishments in the eSTEAM High School Art Contest. Regina Stoffer was recognized as an art contest winner, while Lariah Hammett placed among the top 10 high school contestants.
The district also recognized its Santee Lynches Regional Career Student of the Month honorees for September and October.
September honorees included Maleni Morcavez-Lara, a sixth grader at East Clarendon Middle School; Antonio Billie, a fourth grader at Manning Elementary School; and Kinsley Grooms, also a fourth grader at Manning Elementary.
October honorees were Emily Shaw and Nathan Wilkes, both students at Walker Gamble Elementary School. Shaw is in fifth grade, while Wilkes is in fourth grade.
Board handles regular business
In other business, trustees approved the second and final reading of three policies addressing board member removal from office, new member orientation and development opportunities, and board membership and elections.
The board also received a financial update concerning the district’s annual audit process. Officials explained that the South Carolina Department of Education would accept a draft of the fiscal year 2026 audit while final requirements were being completed.
Although the final audit presentation could be delayed until January, district officials said the submission deadline would be met.
Trustees also approved recommendations concerning employee matters following executive session.
During the meeting, Bonaparte recognized the contributions of Adrian Cord, a former Scott’s Branch High School student who helped establish the school’s annual homecoming tailgate tradition more than a decade ago.
What began with a barbecue grill and a DJ has grown into a major homecoming gathering and fundraiser, with approximately 38 graduating classes participating annually, according to Bonaparte. Cord was not present to receive the recognition.
Bonaparte concludes board service
Monday’s meeting also marked Bonaparte’s final regular meeting as the District 2 representative and board chairman.
Bonaparte announced in August that he would not seek reelection after initially considering another term. Tami Green, who ran unopposed for the District 2 seat, was elected Tuesday, Nov. 3, and will succeed him on the board.
During his closing remarks, Bonaparte reflected on the board’s work and the importance of putting personal differences aside to focus on students.
He commended fellow trustees for their service and acknowledged that board members had not always agreed but had continued working toward the district’s goals.
