JASPER COUNTY, S.C. () — In the wake of the state assuming control of the Jasper County School District (JCSD) due to concerns over financial practices, staffing decisions, and the involvement of the former superintendent, the JCSD has appointed an interim superintendent.

The South Carolina Department of Education named Laura Hickson, PhD, to the position Wednesday.

Hickson has more than 40 years of educational experience. She served as the superintendent of Florence School District 3 for 10 years.

The new interim superintendent has a robust educational background, having obtained both a Doctoral and Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University and principal certification from The Citadel. Beginning her educational journey in 1983 as a teacher in elementary and middle schools, she subsequently advanced through roles as an assistant principal, principal, director of accountability, and assistant superintendent of instruction.