Rock Hill Schools Welcomes Dr. Deborah Elder as New Superintendent
Press Release for the new Rock Hill Superintendent:
Following a successful meet-and-greet and thoughtful discussion, the Rock Hill Schools Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Deborah Elder as our next Superintendent. Her contract was unanimously approved in a 7-0 vote at the Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 28th, and she will officially begin her role on July 1, 2025.
Dr. Elder is a nationally respected leader in education, known for driving innovation and transformation. She also has meaningful family ties to South Carolina and Rock Hill. Now, she’s ready to call the community home.
“This is THE district I truly want to serve,” Dr. Elder shared. “There’s tremendous passion here to take Rock Hill Schools to the next level and I promise to work every day to make that happen. To the students of Rock Hill Schools, I am committed to work with staff, families, and partners of to ensure that each of you is equipped to succeed. From the first day of kindergarten tears to joyful celebration with a handshake for each graduate, I will be a leader who shows up ready to listen, learn, and lead with a spirit of partnership and respect. I can’t wait to get started. Together.”
As Chief Operating Officer of the Iowa Department of Education, Dr. Elder serves as the agency’s second-in-command, overseeing a $5.1 billion system that supports nearly 500,000 K–12 students and more than 86,000 community college learners.
With more than 30 years in public education—as a teacher, principal, and interim superintendent—she brings a well-rounded, hands-on understanding of school leadership. She holds multiple degrees from the University of New Mexico and a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. She and her husband, Scott, are the proud parents of two grown sons and spent many summers as family in Rock Hill.
With a proven track record, a bold vision for the future, and a deep commitment to this community, Dr. Elder is well-positioned to lead Rock Hill Schools forward.
