Ellen Weaver State Superintendent of Education | South Carolina Department of Education
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has announced the appointment of Dr. Matthew Ferguson as the new Superintendent of the Darlington County School District. Ferguson, who has been serving as the Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer at SCDE since 2023, will officially assume his new role on July 1, 2025.
During his tenure at SCDE, Ferguson has been instrumental in several initiatives aimed at improving education across the state. His work includes implementing High-Quality Instructional Materials, deploying Science of Reading training for over 19,000 educators, and launching the Palmetto Math Project. Additionally, Ferguson has worked on strategic investments in career readiness, special education, and rural education.
Ferguson's upcoming role as Superintendent marks a return to his roots in Darlington County, where he began his education career and held various leadership positions such as Director of Personnel and District Curriculum Coordinator. He also served as Executive Director of the Education Oversight Committee before his current role at SCDE.
Reflecting on his time at SCDE and looking ahead, Ferguson stated, "Serving at the South Carolina Department of Education has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, expertise, and unwavering belief in every child that drives this agency, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together. Stepping into this new role is both exciting and humbling. Returning home to serve the community that shaped me is deeply personal. While my job title may be changing, my commitment to the work—and to the belief that every child deserves a great education—remains as strong as ever."
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver expressed her approval of Ferguson's appointment: "I have been privileged to witness Matthew’s unshakeable, deeply personal belief in the potential and capability of South Carolina’s students first hand. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated a clear vision for educational excellence for every child; and he is a gifted leader who can strategically build teams and align resources to turn that vision into action."
Weaver added, "While our SCDE family will dearly miss Matthew and his tireless work ethic and expertise, we know this is an exciting new pathway to expand our shared mission to build a bright education future for students in every corner of our state. The students, parents, and educators of Darlington County have gained a fierce and committed champion in their new Superintendent. I can promise them that no one will work harder on their behalf."
Ferguson will remain in his current position until the end of the school year to facilitate a smooth transition. SCDE plans to announce an interim leadership arrangement for the Division of College, Career, and Military Readiness in the coming weeks.
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