Gaffney's Quincie Moore is named Cherokee superintendent

It's taken nearly two years, but Cherokee Board of Trustees have named a new superintendent. Quincie Moore, a Gaffney native who has built a career in education in Cherokee and Spartanburg counties and at Limestone College, was the unanimous choice after a four-hour executive session on Wednesday.

Moore, the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Spartanburg District 2, was one of four finalists interviewed by the school board during the last two weeks. The board worked with the South Carolina School Boards Association to identify the best candidates for the district's top position from a stack of 32 applications.

Board Chairman Donnie Smith said the group selected Moore after an extensive search process that yielded an excellent pool of candidates.

“Due to the caliber of the candidates it was a hard decision, but we are proud to say that we feel that Dr. Moore is very qualified,” Smith said after the vote. “We're glad to have her on board.”

The terms of Moore's contract will be ironed out by the board's legal council, but members agreed to offer her a three-year contract at a salary of $125,000 per year with a 10 percent annuity and $750 per month automobile and gas allowance.

Moore is a 1982 graduate of Gaffney High School and went on to work as principal at Ewing Middle School and GHS before accepting her current job with District 2 five years ago. Her resume also includes experience as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Limestone College, assistant principal, teacher and coach.

In an interview Tuesday, Moore said she was glad to be given the opportunity to lead a school district that has been a part of both her personal and professional life.

“I can't think of any better place if you want to be the superintendent than to come back and be that person in your own home district,” Moore said.

Smith said it isn't immediately clear when Moore will begin her new job, but the board has previously expressed its desire to have a permanent superintendent in place by July 1.

Last month, the board appointed Associate Superintendent Carlotta Redish to serve as acting superintendent until a new leader is in place. She replaces former superintendent Ed Taylor, who was hired on an interim basis in fall 2010 but resigned effective Jan. 31.

Congratulations, Superintendent Moore.