UPDATED WITH QUOTE FROM FMSD SUPERINTENDENT CHUCK EPPS.
Catawba Ridge High School Principal Dee Christopher has been chosen as the new superintendent of Anderson School District Four and will begin there Dec. 1.
Fort Mill Superintendent Chuck Epps released this statement Tuesday morning: “The district has been truly fortunate to have had Dee Christopher serve our community for more than 14 years. He has played an integral role in the development of multiple generations of students and the creation of an outstanding culture at two district high schools. While we are saddened that he will be leaving the district, we are also proud of him for assuming this new role in the Anderson School District Four. We know he will approach his new challenges with the same enthusiasm and dedication to education he has displayed in Fort Mill and will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of students and staff. The district will begin the process for identifying Mr. Christopher’s replacement at Catawba Ridge High School. While replacing his years of experience and skills as an educator will be a tough task, we are confident that his successor will be someone that can continue his excellent work and lead the school into this new phase.”
The announcement about Christopher’s hiring came Monday night after Anderson trustees unanimously voted to appointing him in that role. Christopher was raised and educated in Anderson County. Christopher is replacing Dr. Joanne Avery, who is retiring.
“The Board is confident Mr. Christopher will continue to lead our schools in the progressive and positive manner to which we are accustomed,” said Dr. Tom Dobbins, chairman of the Anderson County Board of Trustees. “He presented us with intriguing, well-conceived ideas to address the needs of our district and students. Moreover, he has the experience, attitude, and leadership abilities to cross all lines and continue the cohesive culture of excellence in our district.”
Once the Fort Mill School District determines Christopher’s exit date, they will begin the process for seeking his replacement, according to Joe Burke, FMSD Chief Communications Officer. Trustees have a regularly scheduled meeting tonight.
Before being named as the first principal at Catawba Ridge, which opened in the fall of 2019, Christopher spent 12 years as principal at Fort Mill High School. He has been in public education for three decades, having worked as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and Principal at two schools prior to CRHS.
He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Furman University, his Masters of Education Degree from The Citadel, and his Education Specialist Degree from the University of South Carolina.
Christopher is married to Dr. Julie Christopher, a Clemson University graduate and high school biology teacher and research geneticist. They have two daughters and a son, two of whom currently are students at the University of South Carolina and one of whom graduated from Clemson.
On Facebook, his wife posted this statement last night: “We are super excited to be afforded this opportunity to serve the families and community of Anderson 4. The Lord has blessed us beyond measure during our time in FM – it will be difficult to say goodbye but we are looking forward to this new chapter.”