Rock Hill Schools Announces Administrative Changes
Dr. Marty Conner, who currently serves as Principal of South Pointe High School, has been named as the Administrator of Alternative Learning Programs for Rock Hill Schools. The Alternative programs include Raven Academy, Renaissance Academy, the T3 Elementary Center, and the new Day Treatment Center. Dr. Conner has over 20 years of experience in education and has served in many capacities including the Director of Alternative Programs for Fort Mill Schools, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Orangeburg District Three, and the Principal of Banks Trail Middle School for Fort Mill Schools.
While Director of Alternative Programs for Fort Mill Schools, he increased the graduation rate of alternative school students while reducing the drop-out rate. He secured a million dollar workforce development grant funding for special education student work programs, as well as developed academic, extracurricular, and an intern programs for at-risk students that led to 84% of high school seniors enrolling in college or the military.
Other highlighted accomplishments include the following: while principal of Banks Trail Middle School, the school received its highest academic rating of excellence on the state report card in its inaugural year as well as receiving the school Palmetto Gold award (the highest award given to a school by the SC Department of Education). While Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Orangeburg District Three, Dr. Conner implemented a comprehensive graduation project initiative resulting in an increase in graduation rates from 75% – 82%.
Dr. Conner holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Norfolk State University as well as a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from The George Washington University. He also holds a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership as well as a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University.
Dr. Walter Wolff has been named as the Director of K-12 Virtual Academy which will now include Phoenix Academy. Dr. Wolff has been serving Phoenix Academy since its inception in 2003 beginning as a guidance counselor then moving to the position of director in 2005. He helped successfully launch Rock Hill Schools K-12 Virtual Academy that provided live online instruction to over 6,500 students during the challenging 2020-2021 school year.
While Director of Phoenix Academy, Dr. Wolff has served students who desired to graduate early, needed a flexible schedule, or simply wanted to study in a smaller learning environment.
As part of the successful launch of the Virtual Academy, Dr. Wolff was instrumental in creating a virtual school program that other South Carolina school districts used as a model. The Virtual Academy was able to provide excellent online instruction supported by K-12 certified teachers and will continue to serve students in the future.
Dr. Walter Wolff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bayan College, a Masters of Education in Guidance Counseling from Winthrop University, and a Doctorate of Child and Youth Studies from Nova South Eastern University.
Dr. Nancy Turner, who has served in education for over 40 years, has been named as the Director of Mental Health for Rock Hill Schools. Dr. Turner’s experience includes Director of Exceptional Children’s Program for Union County Public Schools, Director of Special Services for Spartanburg School District Two, and served previously as the Director of Exceptional Student Education for Rock Hill Schools.
While serving as the Director of Exceptional Children’s Programs for Union County Schools, she managed the Special Services Programs, personnel, and the IDEA budget which included the procurement of educational and therapeutic services, adaptive devices and technology for exceptional students.
During her time with Spartanburg School District Two, she managed district-wide initiatives in the development of innovative teaching methods regarding exceptional education instruction and programming.
As Director of Exceptional Student Education for Rock Hill Schools she provided oversight for mental health services such as ACE’s training, the Mental Health Advisory Committee, Parent Academy presentations, and was instrumental in creating the new Elementary Day Treatment Center. In addition to her many other accomplishments, Dr. Turner is a published author of several articles and three books addressing the needs of exceptional students.
As the new Director of Mental Health, Dr. Turner will engage in advocacy that ensures that all students have equal access to education and services to enhance their academic progress. In her new role she will also advocate for under-served student populations to broaden availability of mental health services as well as establish and maintain an ongoing system of communication with school personnel, parents, and community partners.
Dr. Nancy Turner holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University. She also holds a Principal Certification from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as well as a Doctorate of Education in Special Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Marek Marshall, currently serving as Assistant Principal of South Pointe, will be acting as interim principal of South Pointe High School while a selection is made for the new principal.
Dr. Marshall has been with South Pointe since 2019, and his previous roles include Assistant Principal of Rawlinson Road Middle School for 9 years, a social studies teacher at Dutchman Creek Middle School, and a high school teacher.
We look forward to Dr. Marshall’s leadership to make the transition period for South Pointe smooth and successful.
Dr. Mark Marshall holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from South Carolina State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Wingate University, and a Education Specialist degree and Doctorate of Education with a Focus on Distributive Leadership from Liberty University.
