On Monday night, Rock Hill Schools’ Board of Trustees approved the promotion of Dr. Keith Wilks as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Bill Cook.

Wilks, who has spent the past 13 years as Executive Director of Student Services in Rock Hill, has been selected to replace Dr. Luanne Kokolis as the Chief of Strategic Planning, Engagement and Program Support. Wilks will begin his new role on November 1 following Kokolis’ retirement, whom he has worked directly with for the past decade.

Wilks will oversee the district’s alternative and adult education programming, graduation coaches, student attendance, discipline and support, nursing and social work services, long-term strategic planning, middle and high school athletics, and serve as liaison for the superintendent to the Rock Hill Education Foundation. His experience as both an assistant principal in Rock Hill Schools (Rock Hill High School, 1997-2002, and Sullivan Middle School, 2005-2007) and principal in Darlington County School District (Darlington High School, 2002-2005) will provide him a needed perspective to help grow and expand supports for athletics and long-term planning.

Under his leadership and direction, Rock Hill Schools has reduced its dropout rate from 8.5% to less than 3%. He attributes the decline to the work of many teachers and administrators in the district he has been privileged to work alongside. Additionally, the district’s framework for crisis response – PrePARE – was introduced by Wilks and is now implemented across all schools when staff are assisting students or staff in crisis.

In the community, Wilks is well-connected in civic and education organizations. Since February 2020, he has served on the board of directors of the Children’s Attention Home. In 2018, he received a gubernatorial appointment to serve as a commissioner with York Technical College where he advises the college president and leadership team as they work to deliver quality educational opportunities to the greater York, Chester and Lancaster county communities. Additionally, Wilks serves on the City of Rock Hill Freedom Walkway committee and as a board member with the All on Board Community Alliance.