Corder to take over as BCCSD interim superintendent

The Barnwell County Consolidated School District (BCCSD) will have a new interim leader next year.

Dr. Marcella Shaw is retiring at the end of the current school year after nearly 30 years in education, including the last five in Barnwell County. Taking her place will be David Corder, who is coming out of retirement for a third time after the board voted unanimously on April 24 to name him interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year.

“When I was approached, I put it in God’s hands. I felt like if God wanted me to do this, then I would commit to doing it,” said Corder, who looks forward to serving all stakeholders of the BCCSD.

The change in leadership comes as state lawmakers approved a bill just last week that will fully consolidate the BCCSD, Barnwell District 45, and the Barnwell County Career Center into one district by July 1, 2024. This bill is awaiting the governor’s approval after being ratified on April 22.

“In light of this recent development, the BCCSD board of trustees has had discussions regarding the appropriate individual to lead the district as interim superintendent during the 2023-24 school year. We believe the district will benefit from having Dr. Shaw and Mr. Corder’s continued leadership an additional year. Both administrators were instrumental and worked well together when the (former Blackville and Williston) districts were consolidated on July 1, 2022,” said BCCSD Board Chairman Ronnie Brown at the meeting.

However, Shaw informed the board “with a heavy heart” that she could not continue as interim superintendent next year. Though she loves the district and communities, she is currently driving two hours one way from her home in Georgia. She also wants to spend more time with her family, including her daughter who will be a senior in high school next year.

“With consolidation, I thought it only fair to have someone here with boots on the ground. The community deserves someone who can be visible and hands on, especially during the consolidation process,” said Shaw, who thanks the board and community for “holding me accountable but also working with me, collaborating with me, and supporting me.”

Due to his deep roots in both communities, Shaw said Corder is the “logical choice” to maintain stability and keep district operations moving forward. Corder grew up in Williston but dedicated 35 years of his career in Blackville, including as a teacher, principal, director of federal programs, and finally as interim superintendent of Barnwell District 19 for three years until it consolidated with Williston District 29.

“He’s already familiar with district operations and is well thought of by community members and staff. We have great confidence in his professional abilities and integrity,” said Brown.

After retiring as District 19 interim superintendent in June 2022 with the consolidation of the former Blackville and Williston districts, Corder accepted a part-time role as interim director of operations for the new BCCSD. He didn’t plan to lead a second consolidation, but “God had a different plan,” he said. However, he is prepared for the task and appreciates the board’s faith in him.

“Consolidation is not an easy process, but I hope we can work together for the betterment of all students in this county,” said Corder. “I will perform the duties with the same dedication that I have with every endeavor as an educator for the last 36 years.”

Speaking of Shaw, Corder said he has some big shoes to fill. “She is a good colleague and good friend. I hate to see her leave. I tried to persuade her to stay, but wish her the best,” he said.

Though Shaw won’t be the leader, she will remain on as a consultant to ensure a “smooth and seamless transition” through the leadership change and the consolidation process.

Shaw is confident in the district’s future due to Corder’s leadership, the plan for next year they have already worked on, and the leadership team that’s in place.

After helping lead the consolidation of the Blackville and Williston districts, Corder will use that experience to help with the complete county-wide consolidation.

“It’s an exciting time for Barnwell County and an exciting time for our students. I look forward to seeing big things happen in the county,” Corder said.

He knows that consolidation makes some feel uneasy, afraid, and upset. During community meetings held prior to the first phase of consolidation a few years ago, residents exhibited those same emotions along with questions about what each side (Blackville and Williston) would get.

“We told stakeholders at the time that we need to get away from what’s Blackville’s and what’s Williston’s and focus on being together,” said Corder. He hopes everyone will realize they are doing what’s best for all students through this next and final phase of consolidation.

“We are keeping all Barnwell County scholars in the forefront,” said Shaw.

Though there were some bumps in the road, Shaw and Corder worked together to overcome those bumps which led to a positive outcome for the consolidated BCCSD. This includes sharing classes and teachers to expand opportunities for scholars, including new STEM labs, more dual enrollment classes, reinstating wrestling and soccer, adding a theatre class, bringing band back to Blackville, and adding a fine arts director.

“Blackville was a very poor district with limited resources,” said Corder of District 19, which was the smallest district in the state before it was consolidated. “It was an advantage to our students to be provided with opportunities they wouldn’t have normally have as standalone district.”

He looks forward to working with Barnwell District 45 Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton and others in that district to ensure a smooth consolidation. Building a relationship with Shaw was an important part of the first consolidation.

“You’ve got to build trust with each other,” he said. “We need to be united as we go into a second consolidation. To me we are all the same.”

As they work toward consolidation, Corder said his focus is on supporting all students and employees. “We have high expectations for all students. We want to make sure teachers have the tools, knowledge, and skills to bring these children up, so they receive the best education possible,” Corder said.

Once the governor signs the consolidation bill, the Barnwell County legislative delegation will appoint a five-member transitional board to oversee the consolidation process. That board will eventually be replaced by an elected board.