Spartanburg District Five Schools has announced three finalists in the search for its next Superintendent, marking an important milestone as the district prepares for a new chapter in leadership.
The District Five Board of Trustees has named the following finalists for the position:
- Eric Williams, assistant superintendent of School Leadership in Greenville County Schools
- Jason Johns, superintendent of Anderson School District Two
- Dr. Jaime Hembree, superintendent of the McCormick County School District
Each candidate will spend two days in District Five over the coming weeks, visiting schools, meeting with staff and learning more about the students, schools and programs that make District Five special.
The visits will also include public community forums, giving parents, staff, students, and community members an opportunity to hear directly from each finalist and meet the candidates in person.
"District Five has so much to be proud of, and we are incredibly grateful for Dr. Gary's leadership and the strong foundation he has helped build for our students, staff and community," Dr. Millie Malone, board chair, said. "As we look toward the future, we are excited about the opportunity to welcome a new leader who will continue moving our district forward. We look forward to introducing these three finalists to our community and giving everyone an opportunity to learn more about the individuals who could lead District Five into its next chapter."
Meet the Finalists
Eric Williams
Williams serves as Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership for Greenville County Schools, overseeing and supporting principals across middle schools, high schools, a K–8 school, and career centers. He also leads the district’s college and career readiness work, expanding opportunities that connect classroom learning with students’ goals after graduation.
With more than two decades of experience in education, Eric has served as a career and technical education teacher, middle and high school principal and Executive Director of College and Career Readiness. His leadership centers on building strong relationships, establishing a clear vision and aligning people and resources to improve student outcomes. He believes high expectations, shared accountability, and strong support for educators are essential to successful schools.
Eric is committed to bringing schools, families, businesses and community organizations together to expand opportunities for students. He and his wife, Mary Beth, live in Greenville and are the proud parents of five children.
District Visit: Oct. 22–23
Community Forum: 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22
Jason Johns
Johns serves as the Superintendent of Anderson School District Two, bringing over two decades of dedicated service in South Carolina public education. Under his leadership, Anderson Two has consistently been recognized for both academic excellence and organizational culture. The district has maintained an academic performance rating in the top 10% of state school districts for four consecutive years and achieved top three positive climate ratings statewide for three consecutive years. He attributes much of this success to the dedicated staff and community, reflected in the district's exceptional teacher retention rate of over 96%. The district has also seen significant capital and program improvements. Tuition based 3K and 4K programs provide preschool standard-based instruction which position students to excel in both the primary and elementary schools. In addition, a new 3K/4K wing was constructed to meet the districts growing needs, early childhood preparation has been a significant priority of Mr. Johns’ leadership. All seven campuses received significant facility upgrades under his leadership.
A native of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Johns began his educator journey in 2001 as an English teacher at Rock Hill High School, where he was recognized as First-Year Teacher of the Year. His administrative career spans roles as Assistant Principal at Northwestern High School, Principal at Banks Trail Middle School, and Principal at Nation Ford High School. During his six-year tenure at Nation Ford, the school earned recognition as Palmetto’s Finest Finalist twice and was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2019. Throughout his career, he has actively supported statewide educational governance, including service as 5A President and as the 5A representative on the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Executive Committee, alongside active involvement with SCASA. Johns also serves on the board of directors for Fellowship of Christian Athletes of the Foothills.
He holds advanced degrees from both Winthrop University and the University of South Carolina, completed doctoral coursework in Educational Systems Improvement Science at Clemson University, and is a graduate of the South Carolina Department of Education’s School Leadership Executive Institute (SLEI). Beyond his professional responsibilities, he and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of six children. He also serves on the Board of Visitors for Anderson University and is a deacon and chair of the Stewardship Committee at First Baptist Church of Belton.
District Visit: Oct. 29–30
Community Forum: 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29
Dr. Jaime Hembree
Dr. Hembree has served as superintendent of McCormick County School District since March 2020 and has worked in public education since 2002. Under her leadership, the district recorded the highest English Language Arts growth in the state on the SC Ready assessment in 2025 and the second-highest math growth in 2026. McCormick Middle School became the first middle school in the state to earn “Beating the Odds” recognition from the SC Education Oversight Committee and earned its first Excellent report card rating in school history.
Before joining McCormick County, she served in Lexington School District Three as an elementary school principal, leading her school to earn the SCASA Palmetto’s Finest Award and designation as a Transform SC School, and then as Director of Special Services. She has also served as an assistant principal, instructional coach, and teacher in South Carolina and North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Marshall University and both a Master of Education and a Doctor of Education from Gardner-Webb University.
Dr. Hembree comes from a family of educators and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. She and her husband, Mike, are the proud parents of Ryan. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, traveling, studying weather and playing with her two labs, Sammie and Sahara.
District Visit: Nov. 5–6
Community Forum: 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 5
All forums will be held in the Byrnes High School new multipurpose gymnasium and will feature a moderated question-and-answer session, along with an opportunity for an informal meet-and-greet with the finalist.
Have a question for the finalists?
Community members are encouraged to submit questions in advance through this online form. Due to time constraints, not all submitted questions may be addressed during the forums.
Parents, employees, and community members may also provide feedback to the Board of Trustees by emailing Spart5Superintendent@CLCBsearch.com.
