The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named Dr. Shawn D. Foster, Superintendent of Orangeburg County School District (OCSD), the 2026 Superintendent of the Year. This prestigious statewide honor comes on the heels of Dr. Foster’s recent recognition as the 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association (SCAAA), reinforcing his impact as one of South Carolina’s most transformative education leaders.

Since his appointment in 2020, Dr. Foster has guided Orangeburg County School District through an era of growth, achievement, and innovation. His visionary leadership has resulted in:

• The successful passage of a $190 million bond referendum, enabling extensive facility upgrades and the construction of two new schools.
• An increase in the district’s fund balance from $7 million to over $43 million in just four years.
• Completion of a $42 million performance contract to modernize mechanical, lighting, and safety systems across the district.
• A one-cent sales tax referendum that generated $125 million in additional capital funding.
• Creation of eight magnet programs, the district’s first Advanced College Program, and an award-winning Esports initiative.
• A 19% increase in kindergarten readiness scores and a jump in schools rated “Average”
• or higher on state report cards—from 50% to 75%.
• Launch of the HOPE Initiative, guaranteeing all graduating seniors provisional acceptance to Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

Dr. Foster has also championed workforce development through a no-cost master’s degree program for educators and the district’s first “Grow Your Own” teacher and leadership pipelines.

“I am both humbled and inspired by this recognition,” said Dr. Foster. “This honor reflects the collective dedication of our educators, students, families, and community. I will continue to lead with purpose, equity, and a relentless focus on academic excellence.”

OCSD Board Chair Dr. Debora Brunson praised the recognition, stating, “Dr. Foster is a dynamic and courageous leader whose strategic vision and deep commitment to children have fundamentally changed the trajectory of Orangeburg County School District. This award is a powerful acknowledgment of his servant leadership and unwavering pursuit of excellence for every student.”

Dr. Foster holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University and multiple state certifications in superintendency, principalship, and counseling. He serves on the SCASA Superintendents’ Affiliate Executive Committee and is a member of the Midlands and Salkehatchie Superintendents Consortia.

The honor from SCASA, as well as the Superintendent of the Year honor that he most recently received from the SCAAA not only celebrates Dr. Foster’s individual accomplishments but also position Orangeburg County School District as a beacon of progress, innovation, and opportunity in public education.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Erica S. Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Business and Community Partnerships, at erica.taylor@ocsdsc.org or 839-356-4040.