Outline:
Colleton County Families Await New Superintendent
Colleton County families are one step closer to discovering who will lead their school district as the county hosted a meet and greet event on Thursday with three superintendent finalists. The candidates, each with extensive experience in education, had the opportunity to tour the district and engage with faculty and staff before the public meeting at the Colleton County High School Performing Arts Center.
Finalists for the Superintendent Position
The three finalists for the superintendent role are:
- Raymond “Tripp” Aldredge III, current principal of Fort Dorchester High School
- George Kiernan, currently serving as chief of operations in the Calhoun County School District
- Dr. Will Pickens, deputy chief of schools in the Chicago Public Schools
Each candidate brings a unique background and expertise that could shape the future of the Colleton County School District.
Raymond “Tripp” Aldredge III
Aldredge, based in Hanahan, has spent 27 years in education. He is currently the principal of Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston. Under his leadership, the school has received consecutive “Excellent” ratings on the South Carolina School Report Card, achieved a record 95.5% graduation rate in 2024, and was named the 2022 South Carolina School of Excellence in Art Education and a 2025 Palmetto’s Finest finalist.
Before moving to South Carolina, Aldredge served as principal of Jay M. Robinson High School and Harris Road Middle School in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. He began his career as a band director, creating nationally recognized music programs and serving as a clinician, adjudicator, and arts advocate. Aldredge holds an Educational Specialist degree from The Citadel, a Master of School Administration and Bachelor of Music from East Carolina University, and is certified as a superintendent in South Carolina.
George Kiernan
Kiernan, from Lexington, has spent 30 years in education. He started his career in North Carolina as a history teacher before moving to New Jersey, where he taught history, English, and science for seven years. He then joined the Calhoun County School District, where he has served for 20 years in various roles, including assistant principal, principal, and chief of human resources. Currently, he serves as chief of operations, overseeing district-wide facilities and operations, including bid packages, five-year facilities plans, and budgets.
Kiernan also handles district-wide discipline, Title IX, and supervises the technology, maintenance, and transportation departments. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Kean University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from New Jersey City University, and an Education Specialist in Education Administration from South Carolina State University. He is pursuing a Doctorate in Education in Education Administration from Acacia University and is certified as a superintendent in South Carolina.
Dr. Will Pickens
Pickens, based in Chicago, is currently a deputy chief of schools for the Chicago Public Schools in the district’s South Side, where he oversees 33 schools, including their academic success, principal professional development, budget, and strategic plan. Of these schools, 23 have been identified as commendable, and one as exemplary.
Pickens began his career as a Title 1 Reading Teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before moving to Richland School District 2 in Columbia as an elementary and high school guidance counselor. During his 18-year career, he has also served as a principal and Chief of Administrative Services/Deputy Superintendent.
He has fostered community outreach initiatives, such as a county-wide food distribution during the pandemic and “Coffee with the Deputy,” which encourages open dialogue. Pickens currently serves on the board of Omega Global Development, which builds healthcare systems and schools in Africa.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Master of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University, a Specialist in Education in Educational Leadership from Columbus State University, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Studies from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. Pickens is certified as a superintendent in South Carolina.
Replacing Superintendent Jessica Williams
The three finalists are looking to replace Superintendent Jessica Williams, who plans to retire this year. With their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they are well-positioned to lead the Colleton County School District into the future.