Our Superintendent
Entry Plan Findings (Approved by RHS Board of Trustees January 13, 2026)
Entry Plan Finding (Conclusion)
First 100 Days Entry Plan (Approved by RHS Board of Trustees August 12, 2025)
Dr. Deborah Elder serves as Superintendent of Rock Hill Schools, bringing more than 30 years of experience in public education as a teacher, principal, district leader, and interim superintendent. A nationally respected voice in education, she is known for driving innovation, building partnerships and leading with integrity toward improving student outcomes.
Dr. Elder officially began her role on July 1, 2025, following unanimous approval by the Rock Hill Schools Board of Trustees. Prior to joining Rock Hill, she served as Chief Operating Officer of the Iowa Department of Education, where she was the agency’s second ranking leader. In that role, she oversaw a $5.1 billion education system serving nearly 500,000 K–12 students and more than 86,000 community college learners.
She holds multiple degrees from the University of New Mexico and earned her doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Elder’s leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to student experience, excellence, integrity, innovation, collaboration, and community. With strong family roots in South Carolina and a heartfelt connection to Rock Hill, she leads with a bold vision and a shared sense of purpose for the future of our schools.
She says the district’s focus is clear: creating safe and welcoming learning environments, supporting our teachers and staff, and ensuring every student has access to meaningful learning opportunities.
Additionally, the priorities identified during the Superintendent search remain front and center in her work. These include student achievement, community engagement, mental health and safety, accountability and strong leadership, and responsible budget management. She says these focus areas will help shape decisions as we come together to make this school year an outstanding one for Rock Hill Schools!
“Thank you for the trust you place in us each day. I’m honored to serve this incredible community and look forward to partnering to ensure we are supporting our students from crayons to commencement!”
| Dr. Deborah Elder Superintendent 803-981-1000 Email Me |
| Chris Gammons Senior Associate of Executive Services 803-981-1000 Email Me |