Superintendent of Schools Biography

Dr. Nancy J. McGinley

Dr. Nancy J. McGinley, former award-winning principal and Chief Academic Officer, is Superintendent of the Charleston County School District (CCSD), where she oversees a Council of the Great City Schools system that includes 42,500 students, 75 schools, five specialized programs, and over 5,000 employees.

CCSD has made significant achievement gains under her leadership, earning its first-ever "Excellent" growth rating on the state report card. Graduation rates jumped 11 points, from 62% to 73%; after a five-year decline, enrollment increased by nearly 200 students; A.C.T. and Advanced Placement exam scores and participation levels are at record highs; and student proficiency levels in grades three through eight are the highest they have been in the ten-year history of the state test, surpassing South Carolina peers in every subject and grade level. All of this in safe, high-tech schools, thanks to a visionary Capital Improvements plan that has replaced many aging schools with shining new centers of excellence.

Dr. McGinley's bold plan, Charleston Achieving Excellence, centers the work of the district around simple, but far-reaching goals: 1) elevate achievement overall; 2) close the achievement gap; and 3) raise the graduation rate. The plan, which builds on the solid academic foundation established while Dr. McGinley was the district’s CAO, emphasizes the core values of results, access, and partnerships. Entering the 2009-2010 year, three strategic priorities-literacy acceleration, teacher quality, and extended time-provide a clear framework for continued improvement.

Dr. McGinley's mantra—"The Victory is in the Classroom!"—is evident in the steps she has taken to drive a vision of reform and empower students, parents and teachers to succeed. School choice, accountability, diversity, arts and music enrichment opportunities, community partnerships and high-quality teaching are all hallmarks of her administration-as is the unshakeable belief that with a good plan and proper supports, every child will graduate with the skills to thrive in the 21st Century world.

 

Dr. Nancy J. McGinley
Superintendent of Schools
937-6318
superintendent@charleston.k12.sc.us