Morris to take over as Florence District 5 superintendent

JOHNSONVILLE — Dr. D. John Morris, chief student services director at Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, N.C., has been named the new Florence School District 5 superintendent.

During a special meeting Tuesday, the board of trustees unanimously approved entering into a three-year contract with Morris at an annual salary of $120,000.

Morris will begin his new duties as superintendent July 1.

He succeeds Dr. Dale Strickland who announced he would retire after 11 years of service in the district.

Morris was among three finalists chosen for the superintendent position in the Johnsonville-based school district.

Dr. F. Jane Cobia, superintendent of Sylacauga City Schools in Sylacauga, Ala., and Fay Sprouse, superintendent of Greenwood 51 School District in Ware Shoals, were the other finalists.

The three finalists were among 31 applications received by the South Carolina School Boards Association — the organization hired to conduct the search.

Board Chairman Louis B. Hooks said all three finalists were highly-qualified, but Morris’ willingness and eagerness to work in a small school district made an impression on him.

“We have full faith in (Dr. John Morris),” Hooks said. “The board is really excited. We think that he’s the one that can take us to the next level.

“Dr. Dale Strickland has done a wonderful job and we hate to lose him but (Morris) will take us to that next level,” he said.

Morris said he was very excited and very honored to have been chosen to lead the school district.

“I have some very big shoes to fill,” Morris said. “Everybody loves Dr. Dale (Strickland), and I’ll do my very best to carry on his legacy.”

Morris said he was looking forward to being able to spend a tremendous amount of time in the schools and classrooms getting to know the students and staff, as well as getting to know the community.

Morris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education in 1974, a master’s degree in education/teaching of reading in 1977, an Education Specialist degree in educational leadership in 1983 and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership in 1987, all from Western Michigan University.

Morris began his educational career as a teacher at Berrien County Intermediate Schools in Berrien Center, Mich., in 1974. He served in several positions including a principal, assistant superintendent of administrative services and superintendent of New Hanover County Schools in Wilmington, N.C., before joining Guilford County Schools in 2007.