Superintendent's Page

Welcome to the McDuffie County School System!  As Superintendent of Schools, it is my great privilege to work with parents and students, teachers and administrators, and members of our community to provide the best opportunities available for every pupil in our school system. As a parent of a Thomson High School graduate and a senior in McDuffie County Schools, I recognize that it is not enough for our graduates to be college and career ready.  They must also be fully prepared to compete internationally and to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
 
McDuffie is On the Move!  You will continue to see this message throughout our community this school year, and it is more than a slogan. We are working to provide our students with the best possible facilities, technology, staff, opportunities and resources.  To exemplify our commitment to our community, our system has served students this past summer through our Rising Kindergarten Summer Transition Program; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) camps for grades 1-12; Summer Bridge Program; and credit recovery options for our high school pupils. We’ve also held family literacy workshops and distributed materials to over 28 families. 

As we recognize the need to maintain the best facilities possible, we are elated to open the new Maxwell Elementary. This state-of-the-art building has enhanced security features, the most efficient energy systems, and four STEM labs equipped to provide our students with the best educational opportunities possible. On July 30th from 4:00 until 6:00 we welcome the community to come visit our newest facility and experience the excitement as we prepare for the opening of the school year. Parents and students are encouraged to attend Open House the following day, by last name, letters A-J, 5:00-6:00 and K-Z, 6:00-7:00.

For the fifth year in a row, the McDuffie County Board of Education approved the recommendation to adopt the rollback rate on property taxes.  Our district takes great pride in being good financial stewards of taxpayer dollars as evidenced in the reduction of the millage rate by 4.205 mils in the last five years. During this same period, the district continues to see increases in the graduation rate, achieving its highest rate to date, 91.3%. We are blessed with a supportive community, and we are working diligently to add innovative programs that meet the unique needs and goals of our students. The most recent graduation rate is the highest since the inception of the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI), with a CTAE graduation rate of 100% and over 93% of graduates completing one or more pathways.  
 
McDuffie is Where Tradition Meets Innovation to actively prepare all learners for their future endeavors.  We honor our tradition while recognizing the need to apply innovative programs and methods to equip our students with the ability to embrace changes in the world around us. A great education is the vehicle for a stronger workforce and a stronger community, and we are committed to moving our students toward success. Whether you are an employee, student, parent, business owner, community leader or resident, you play an important role in what we do.  We welcome your involvement in our schools, and we hope that you will feel comfortable reaching out to us if we can be of service. Working together, we will continue to provide a high-quality education for all students.

Dr. Mychele Rhodes

Superintendent

McDuffie County Schools