New Clarendon 2 superintendent begins July 1
MANNING - Dr. Shawn Johnson has been named superintendent of Clarendon School District Two beginning July 1.
Johnson will replace Superintendent John Tindal, who has served the district for 17 years. Tindal announced his decision to retire on June 30 at the beginning of the current school year.
Johnson, who currently holds the post as superintendent of Barnwell School District 19, was one of four candidates for the position.
"While I still have goals and objectives that I'd like to achieve at Barnwell School District 19, I look forward to the transition to Clarendon Two," Johnson said Wednesday afternoon. "I will be working with Mr. Tindal and his staff to aid in those efforts. My focus at Clarendon Two will be on teaching and learning."
During the first week in February, Johnson, along with Chander Anderson, Valarie Denise Williams and Martin I. Wright, the four candidates vying for the position, toured the district's schools and talked with district personnel and members of the community. At the end of their visits, the board conducted final interviews with all four candidates before announcing their decision.
"There were four great finalists," said Clarendon Two Board Chairman Kimberly O. Johnson, who is not related to the district's new superintendent. "We are very excited to have Dr. Johnson join the district in this leadership position and believe that Dr. Johnson's strength in curriculum and leadership will serve our district well."
Johnson said that according to the terms of Johnson's contract, he will work with district personnel and members of the board before his official start date to ensure a smooth transition.
The board realized that the community, to include parents, teachers, students, administrators and neighbors, will have to adjust to a new superintendent after 17 years, Johnson added.
New can be exciting, but it can also cause anxiety.
"We believe that Dr. Johnson understands this, and his steady hand should help ease the transition," she added.
Johnson called Tindal an excellent leader who was dedicated to the district's students, personnel and community.
"Mr. Tindal has been an excellent leader for Clarendon 2 during his distinguished career," said Johnson earlier this year when the four finalists for Tindal's job were announced. "The board thanks Mr. Tindal for his dedication and service to the students, families and overall Manning community."
The South Carolina School Boards Association assisted the Clarendon School District Two Board of Trustees throughout its recent hiring process, Johnson added.