Welcome back Panther Nation! Join me as we celebrate our returning faculty and staff while embracing our new members of the Sumter County Schools family. I hope that your summer break was safe, restful, and full of happy moments with family and friends. 

As we continue on this path to realizing our vision of making sure that all students receive an equitable education, this summer has been filled with awesome work done at both the district and school levels. District/school level leaders and staff have worked tirelessly planning for and acquiring resources and support for all of our schools. School leaders and teachers dedicated most of their summer conducting curriculum planning to ensure that we are prepared to provide high-quality, engaging instruction that leads to high levels of learning in all classes. Our summer WIN (Whatever I Need) programs provided many students with an opportunity to gain valuable literacy and numeracy skills in Kindergarten through Grade 8 and acquire credits toward graduation in Grades 9-12.  

Striving to consistently create an atmosphere of excellence is one of our district commitments. I have witnessed this pursuit firsthand this summer with the efforts of our transportation, maintenance, nutrition, technology, human resources, teaching and learning, finance department along with the school offices, and custodial staff. We are building something special in Sumter County Schools. The culture and climate are moving on a positive trajectory toward an atmosphere of excellence. 

Our Board of Education members participated in training and worked on strategic planning to move our district to its highest heights ever. They chartered and approved the unprecedented compensation study to ensure that our faculty and staff across the district are adequately paid for work that is performed. 

Establishing a partnership between the school system, home and community is also another vital district commitment. We have the perfect opportunity this year to enhance these partnerships. As we embark upon this dynamic year, know that we can accomplish more together! 

The 2022-2023 school year is here! I am looking forward to making a positive difference in our community through the excellent work of all of us. Know that you have what it takes to be great. You are excellent in your respective position. We are Sumter Strong! 

Thanks in advance, 

Mr. Walter Knighton, Ed.S.

Superintendent