The Williamsburg County School District Board of Trustees has announced the advancement of two candidates in its ongoing search for the district’s next superintendent.
The search attracted 23 qualified applicants from across the region and beyond. After a thorough review of all applications, the Board selected eight candidates to participate in first-round interviews. After careful consideration, two finalists have been recommended to move forward in the selection process.
Dr. Lamont Moore
Moore currently serves as Director of Testing, Accountability, Gifted and Talented, Multilingual and Title III Programs in Sumter County. He previously served as a principal in Chester County and Lee County. His prior experiences also include working at the South Carolina Department of Education as the Director of Gifted and Talented, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs. He began his education career as a 4th grade teacher in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, N.C.
Sharonda Murrell
Murrell currently serves as Associate Superintendent, Secondary Schools, Chatham County Schools in Savannah, GA. She previously served as an assistant principal in Atlanta Public Schools, GA., and a principal in Greensboro, N.C. Her prior experiences also include Assistant Principal at Hillcrest High School in Greenville, S.C. and teacher at Oakhurst Elementary School in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, N.C.
The final candidates will participate in a series of interviews and stakeholder engagements within the district Jan. 7 and Jan. 12, 2026. During these visits, the candidates will:
Participate in formal interviews with the Board of Trustees
Meet with district and school-level administrators, including principals
Engage with members of the community, including parents, staff, and students
“These next steps are an important opportunity for our community to engage with the candidates and for the Board to gain a deeper understanding of each individual’s leadership style, vision, and alignment with our district’s priorities,” said Dr. Marva Cannion, chair of the Board of Trustees.
In response to persistent academic and operational concerns, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) assumed governance authority over Williamsburg County School District under state law. The state intervention was designed to stabilize district operations, strengthen instructional leadership, improve fiscal oversight, and accelerate student outcomes. During this period, the SCDE has worked in partnership with local leadership to address compliance requirements, instructional quality, and system wide accountability.
State governance emphasized rebuilding foundational systems, supporting school leadership, and ensuring that students had access to effective teaching and learning environments. Throughout the process, the goal remained clear- to restore local governance while ensuring the district was positioned for long-term stability and improvement.
The South Carolina Department of Education and the Williamsburg County School District Board remain committed to a transparent, inclusive, and thorough search process focused on selecting a superintendent who will serve in the best interests of all students.
Additional information regarding community engagement opportunities will be shared in advance of the scheduled visits.
