Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence has been named the 2022 South Carolina School Improvement Council (SC-SIC) Advocate of the Year by the SC-SIC.
This award recognizes exemplary efforts on behalf of School Improvement Councils state-wide by individuals actively supporting and promoting the work of SICs within their spheres of influence.
“The SC School Improvement Council is most grateful for Superintendent Laurence’s long-time and unwavering commitment to the principles and practices of SICs,” said SC-SIC Executive Director Tom F. Hudson. “As SICs begin their 45th year of serving South Carolina schools and students, it’s particularly fitting that we honor an individual who has been ‘in on’ SICs from the very beginning.”
Laurence was an elected student member of his high school’s first SIC. Throughout his career as an educator, he has served on and worked with SICs as a teacher member, parent member, assistant principal, principal, district-level administrator, and now in his capacity as superintendent.
“I am honored to be selected for this award,” Laurence said. “Education has always been a passion, and I am proud of the work being done in our schools. I will continue to advocate for and support these councils and encourage collaboration between our students, staff, parents, and community members for the betterment of our schools.”
SIC members provide input in the development of a school’s five-year improvement plan, help set goals to support successful implementation of that plan, and help support the principal and school in a number of other ways.
“While I don't remember any of the topics discussed in those first meetings as a high school student, looking back it is exciting to have been there at the very beginning of School Improvement Councils in South Carolina,” Laurence stated. “Throughout my career I have been involved in one way or another with SICs and believe they form the foundation for quality school and community partnerships. One of the hallmarks of a successful school is an active School Improvement Council.”
Laurence is serving in his first term as a member of the SC-SIC Board of Trustees.
“It has been a distinct pleasure to work with Superintendent Laurence through the years and to see firsthand his support and commitment to the work of our state’s School Improvement Councils,” said Hudson.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2022 PR King Laurence SC-SIC Advocate of the Year