The Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) Board of Trustees met in Executive Session on Monday, January 26, 2026, to conduct its annual job performance evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster.

Following the evaluation, the Board awarded Dr. Foster an overall rating of “Excellent.”

“As Chairperson, on behalf of my fellow Board members, I am pleased to announce that Superintendent Shawn Foster received an overall ‘Excellent’ evaluation,” said Dr. Debora Brunson, Chair of the OCSD Board of Trustees. “We commend Dr. Foster for his unwavering dedication to the success of our students and employees. Under his leadership, the District has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and shared ownership in shaping a very bright future for Orangeburg County School District, she said.”

Dr. Brunson noted that during the 2024–2025 school year, the District made measurable progress across several key areas, including student achievement, facilities, and fiscal management.

“The Board congratulates Dr. Foster on his continued focus on student achievement,” Dr. Brunson said. “The District’s graduation rate increased, reflecting intentional efforts centered on strong instruction, targeted interventions, and expanded pathways to success. In addition, critical facility upgrades funded through the voter-approved bond program remain on track, ensuring safer, more modern learning environments that support teaching and learning across the District.”

The Board also highlighted Dr. Foster’s expertise in financial leadership and stewardship.

“We are particularly proud of Dr. Foster’s knowledge of finance,” Dr. Brunson added. “Under his leadership, the District has demonstrated exemplary fiduciary stewardship, ensuring responsible financial management, transparency, and accountability while strategically investing public resources to support long-term stability and student success.”

Equally important, Dr. Foster has led an intentional effort to consistently share positive and transparent stories about OCSD’s progress, fostering increased community engagement and pride as families, staff, and residents increasingly celebrate the District’s accomplishments and future direction.

Dr. Foster expressed his appreciation to the Board for its continued trust and support.

“I am deeply grateful to the Orangeburg County School District Board of Trustees for their confidence and trust,” said Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster. “Every day, our Board entrusts us with their two most prized possessions, their children and their resources. I take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to being a faithful steward of both, while working alongside our dedicated employees to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for success.”

Dr. Foster’s leadership has also garnered recognition beyond the District.

“The Board is especially pleased that we are not the only ones impressed by Dr. Foster’s leadership,” said Dr. Brunson. “He has been named Superintendent of the Year by both the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association. Most recently, The Times and Democrat recognized Dr. Foster as its Person of the Year.”

Importantly, the Board emphasized that Dr. Foster’s leadership elevates students and staff throughout the District.

“Dr. Foster’s success is reflected in the success of others,” Dr. Brunson said. “OCSD students and schools have earned multiple national honors, including North Middle/High School being named a National ESEA Distinguished School, national READ 180 student and educator recognitions, designation as a National Beta School of Distinction, SkillsUSA national award recognition, and national competitive success by students from the Orangeburg Career & Technology Center through FCCLA and SkillsUSA.”