WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- Lexington Two Superintendent William B. James Jr., who announced his plans to retire earlier this year, will leave the district in December.
Dr. James was hired as the district’s superintendent in 2015.
“Lexington Two has been, and always will be, a special place to me” Dr. James said. “I began here as a principal at Airport High School, and I have been given the privilege of ending my career as superintendent."
Under Dr. James’ leadership, the district became the first to launch the Early College and career pathways programs, in partnership with Midlands Technical College, allowing students to earn an Associate degree, college credit and professional certifications at no cost while still in high school. Participation in dual enrollment and AP courses also has grown, with an increase of nearly 10 percent for AP test takers scoring a 3 or better, an indicator of college-level mastery of a subject that typically earns college credit.
Lexington Two ranks among the top SC public school districts earning the highest average scores on the SAT college-entrance exam, outperforming both state and national averages. The average for Class of 2020 test takers is 25 points higher than the district average in 2018. Lexington Two posted a 3.2% gain from 2018-2020 in the graduation rate, including a nearly 92 percent rate among non-economically disadvantaged students. Among Lexington Two’s schools are National Schools to Watch, Palmetto Silver and National Blue Ribbon Award winners, a state-of-the-art Innovation Center for college and career readiness programs, and an award-winning adult education program.
During Dr. James’ tenure, the district has opened three new schools and upgraded all others, to include state-of-the-art safety systems, as part of a voter-approved, $225 million construction program. The construction project is in its final phase, with planning under way for a district-wide performing arts center. Dr. James has promoted balanced budgets every year in the district and has created a 2030 Pay As You Go plan for future building maintenance and construction. Lexington Two’s financial operations have received the best audit results in recent years, with unmodified audit opinions annually.
Dr. James has worked to build strong partnerships with community and business organizations in an effort to bring more resources to local schools and students. This has resulted in an increase of “extras” for training and educational donations, as well as new internship and job opportunities for students.
Dr. James received the Lifetime Achievement award earlier this year from the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. He was named as one of three finalists for the 2019 Superintendent of the Year Award and was previously named Administrator of the Year for the SC Association of Educational Office Professionals. His professional memberships include Midlands Educational Business Alliance, SC Association of School Administrators, Midlands Superintendent Consortium (chairman, 2017), Midlands Technical College Advisory and American Association of School Administrators. Dr. James received a bachelor’s degree in science (biology) from Wofford College; a M.Ed. (natural science) from the University of South Carolina; an Ed.S. (administration) from Clemson University; and a Ph.D. (educational administration) from the University of South Carolina.
Dr. James’ final day with Lexington Two is December 18. Superintendent-elect Nicolas Wade, who joined Lexington Two on July 1, 2020, will assume the superintendent's role.