News Summary

Florence School District 3 is searching for a new superintendent following the retirement of Dr. Laura Hickson, who served for nearly a decade. The district is engaging the community through a survey aimed at gathering input on the desired qualities and priorities for her successor. A Superintendent Search Committee will be formed to review applications and conduct interviews. Kasey Feagin has been appointed as the interim superintendent during this transitional period. The application period for the new position will close early next year, with a projected start date for the new leader in May.

Florence School District 3 Initiates Search for New Superintendent Following Dr. Laura Hickson’s Retirement

Florence, SC – Florence School District 3 (FSD3) is embarking on the search for a new superintendent following the retirement of Dr. Laura Hickson, who served in the position for nearly a decade. Dr. Hickson officially retired on May 30, 2025, after leading the district since July 1, 2015. To guide the selection process for her successor, FSD3 is actively engaging the community to gather input on the qualities and priorities desired in a new educational leader.

To facilitate this, the school district has launched a survey aimed at “stakeholders,” which includes parents, students, educators, alumni, business owners, faith leaders, civic representatives, and other community members. The survey opened on July 9 and will remain available until a specified Sunday at 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to provide feedback on what they believe are essential attributes for the new superintendent.

Community Engagement and Committee Formation

In addition to the survey, FSD3 is establishing a Superintendent Search Committee composed of selected community stakeholders. This committee will play a critical role in reviewing applications and conducting interviews for the new superintendent. Board Chair Jac’Kel S. Brown has stressed the significance of community input in the search process, underscoring the need for a leader who aligns with FSD3’s mission and goals.

Timeline for the Search Process

The application period for the new superintendent is open until noon on January 1, 2026. The district has outlined a projected start date for the new leader of May 1, 2026. This timeline is designed to ensure a thorough and thoughtful selection, which will enable the new superintendent to effectively address the needs of the district’s students and staff.

Interim Leadership in Place

Following Dr. Hickson’s retirement, Kasey Feagin has been appointed as the interim superintendent. Feagin brings 26 years of experience with FSD3, having previously held various leadership positions, including Chief Operations Officer, Senior Director of Curriculum, and Principal of Lake City High School. His extensive background within the district is expected to provide stability during the transition period as the search for a permanent superintendent unfolds.

Dr. Hickson’s Legacy and Contributions

The Florence School District 3 Board accepted Dr. Hickson’s resignation during a special meeting, recognizing her invaluable contributions over her nearly ten-year tenure. Under her leadership, significant safety initiatives were implemented, including upgrades to school entrances and access control systems to enhance the security of students and staff. As discussions regarding Hickson’s departure progressed, the Board engaged legal counsel to finalize mutual terms of agreement regarding her retirement.

Looking Ahead

The search for the new superintendent is focused on ensuring that FSD3 continues its commitment to preparing students for both college and careers. The collective effort of community engagement and the establishment of a search committee are mechanisms to achieve a successful transition in leadership that aligns with the needs and aspirations of the Florence community.

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Florence School District 3 Asks for Community Input
• WPDE: Florence School District Superintendent Resigns
• WBTW: Florence School District 3 Superintendent Set to Retire
• Island Packet: Florence County School District News
• Upper Michigan’s Source: Florence County School District Budget
• Wikipedia: Education in the United States
• Google Search: Florence School District
• Google Scholar: Florence School District
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• Google News: Florence School District

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.