Dr. Lori Brownlee-Brewton was hired Monday night as the new Superintendent of the Abbeville County School District.
Brewton had been serving as interim superintendent since July 1, after former superintendent Dr. Mason Gary stepped down at the end of June.
The Abbeville County School District Board of Trustees, meeting Monday night, took the action to hire Brewton following an executive session to discuss contractual matters.
The daughter of retired District administrator Joseph Brownlee, Brewton had been serving as assistant superintendent under Dr. Gary, and she has many years of experience as a District educator, including a stint as Dixie High School principal.
The School District provided a press release after Monday night's meeting.
"The Abbeville County School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Lori Brownlee-Brewton as Superintendent, effective January 1, 2024. This decision was made by unanimous vote of the Trustees at a special called meeting on December 4, 2023. Dr. Brewton has been a part of the Abbeville County School District for the past 24 years; as a teacher and an administrator. She also has deep roots throughout the county, having grown up in Antreville and having attended schools in both the Due West and Abbeville areas."
The press release also included a statement from Dr. Brewton:
"I am honored and humbled to have been selected as the next superintendent to lead Abbeville County School District. As a proud product of the Abbeville County School System, I can attest firsthand to the excellent quality of our educational system. All of our employees work extremely hard in ensuring the success of our students. I plan to listen and learn from staff, parents, students, community, and business stakeholders about the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the Abbeville County School District. I am looking forward to working alongside the Board of Trustees as we work together for the betterment of our students, schools, educators, and community. This is indeed a great honor!"
There was also a statement from school board chairman Keith Dunn.
"On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to congratulate Dr. Brewton on becoming the new superintendent of the Abbeville County School District. After going through a formal search process, vetting, and interviewing many qualified candidates to reach this decision, the board is confident Dr. Brewton is the best person to lead our district forward. Under Dr. Brewton's leadership, we look forward not only to the continued success of Abbeville County schools, but reaching new heights for the benefit of our students, staff, and community.
"I thank our Board for their time, hard work with phenomenal attendance and contributions in meetings. We thank all of the candidates who participated as their futures are bright. We also would like to extend our thanks to the South Carolina School Board Association and our Attorney, White & Story, for their incredible work helping guide the board through this process."
Dr. Brewton was one of three finalists for the Superintedent's post, and the South Carolina School Boards Association aided in the search for a new superintendent.
