State appoints new interim superintendent to lead Jasper Co. School District amid crisis
The South Carolina Department of Education appointed a new interim superintendent to lead the Jasper County School District — a move that comes as the state officially takes control of the district following several years of alleged financial mismanagement and ethical violations.
Laura Hickson, an educator with more than 40 years of experience, will replace former Superintendent Rechel Anderson, who was fired by the Jasper County school board in October 2024. A July 11 report from the State Inspector General outlined possible ethical and criminal misconduct during Anderson’s tenure, including financial mismanagement, unauthorized business ventures, ethics violations and forged documents.
Hickson’s leadership is expected to bring “stability, vision, and a clear shared path to success,” according to a JCSD press release, amid controversy in the district.
About Laura Hickson
Hickson began her education career in 1983 as an elementary and middle school teacher and has since held roles including assistant principal, principal, accountability director and assistant superintendent of instruction, according to the press release. She earned both her Doctoral and Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University and completed her principal certification at The Citadel.
Before accepting the JCSD role, Hickson served as superintendent of Florence School District Three for a decade, where she was credited in the press release with improving student performance, launching innovative academic programs, securing federal grant funding and strengthening the district’s finances.
State takeover
The state intervention follows multiple warnings. JCSD was placed under Fiscal Watch in March 2023 for failing to submit a required audit. That status was elevated to Fiscal Caution in February 2024 and then to Fiscal Emergency on August 2, 2024. The district did not appeal any of the escalating financial designations.
In a letter sent July 28, Weaver cited the school board’s continued failure to take corrective action. While the board has 10 days to appeal the takeover in court, the state’s control of the district begins immediately and will remain in effect for up to six years, through the 2031 school year.
This story was originally published August 6, 2025 at 5:07 PM.
