Florence School District 3’s Board of Trustees announced the successful completion of the interview and selection process for the position of interim superintendent who will lead the transition of outgoing Superintendent Dr. Laura Hickson.
After thoughtful deliberation and a series of structured interviews with each candidate, the board selected Kasey Miles Feagin to serve as FSD3’s interim superintendent during a called meeting Monday, April 21.
Mrs. Feagin a 26-year employee of Florence School District Three, presently serves as the Chief Operations Officer. Mrs. Feagin’s extensive leadership experience within the district includes positions as Senior Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Director of Assessment and Accountability, Director of Virtual Learning & Assessment, and Principal of Lake City High School. She also has served as director of the Career and Technology Education at Lake City High. She holds an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership with a Superintendency focus from Arkansas State University, a Master of Education in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Francis Marion University.
In an effort to ensure strong, continuous leadership and stability within the district, the Board considered only internal candidates who serve in key, district-level leadership positions and were recommended by Dr. Hickson for their deep commitment to student achievement and district advancement.
The two other candidates for the interim position were:
Dr. Yvonne Commodore
Dr. Yvonne Commodore, who joined Florence School District Three in April 2018 and currently serves as the Director of Social and Emotional Learning and Mental Health Services. Dr. Commodore’s leadership experience includes service in Marion County School District as an educational consultant mentoring principals and administrators, as well as former principal of Lincoln Middle High School in McClellanville. A licensed mental health professional by training, she holds a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University, an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Sarasota, a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Benedict College.
Ned Blake
Ned Blake, a 25-year veteran of Florence School District 3, currently serves as the Director of Secondary Education. His long-standing leadership within the district includes roles as Special Education Administrator, Interim Director of Alternative Schools, and Principal at both Lake City High School and J. Paul Truluck Middle School. Mr. Blake holds an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership with a Superintendency focus from Arkansas State University, a Master of Education in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Claflin University.
“The Board of Trustees remains steadfast in our commitment to high-quality education and transformative leadership," said Jac'Kel Brown, chairman of the FSD3 Board of Trustees. "We were inspired by the vision and dedication demonstrated by each of the internal candidates. Their continued service to Florence School District 3 speaks volumes about their investment in our schools, our students and our community. We believe that our selection reflects a strong step forward in maintaining the momentum of progress and academic excellence throughout this period of transition,” Mr. Brown added.
The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Hickson for her outstanding leadership and vision and looks forward to working closely with the Interim Superintendent in sustaining the district’s mission to empower students for lifelong success.