Dr. Judd Starling will become the interim principal of New Heights Middle School, effective March 1, replacing Dr. Omoro King, who has accepted a position in Darlington County schools. Dr. Jason McGuire will take over as the principal of New Heights on July 1, coming over from Jefferson Elementary.
The district has already begun the search process for a new principal for Jefferson Elementary for the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
Starling, who has been with the district since 2008, has most recently worked in the adult education department. He also has experience as a principal in the Pageland-Jefferson area.
King will remain as the principal of New Heights until Starling begins the interim position.
McGuire is no stranger to New Heights Middle, serving as the school’s assistant principal for four years before going to Jefferson Elementary.
Dr. Harrison Goodwin, Chesterfield County School District Superintendent, said that Starling’s experience as a principal is important when taking over during the school year.
“You need that to keep a school moving forward,” says Goodwin. “I am confident that, along with the help of the staff and the community, Dr. Starling can do just that.”
Goodwin also said that experience will be a key asset for McGuire in his new role next year at New Heights Middle. In addition to his middle school administrative background, McGuire has also been a middle and high school classroom teacher.
“I believe that this will be a good fit for (McGuire) and New Heights,” says Goodwin. “While he begins this new role on July 1, Dr. McGuire clearly is committed to serving in his current role of principal at Jefferson Elementary through the end of the school year.”
King will be leaving Chesterfield County after 18 years with the district to assume the role of Director of Elementary Education in Darlington County.
“We are very appreciative of Dr. King’s dedication and leadership as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in our school district,” says Goodwin. “We certainly wish him the best moving forward.”
The next step in the administrative changes is the hiring of the new Jefferson Elementary principal.
“Jefferson Elementary is unique and must have the right leader, who is the right fit for the students, staff and community,” says Goodwin. “Based on the candidates that have applied thus far, I am confident that we will have that right leader selected, school board approved and ready to go on July 1.”