FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – According to Florence School District 1 spokesperson Pam Little- McDaniel, the board of trustees has offered the superintendent position to Richard O’Malley.
Board Chair Barry Townsend says the board unanimously selected Dr. O’Malley after meeting Friday afternoon.
Dr. O’Malley has accepted the position and the district is in the process of drafting his contract. He is expected to start as superintendent no later than August 3.
“His skills and experience align very precisely with the leadership profile we built using community input,” Townsend said about O’Malley over the phone.
According to his bio provided by the district, Dr. O’Malley is currently superintendent of Edison Township Public Schools in Edison, NJ. Prior to that job, he was superintendent of Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District and Mountainside School District, both in New Jersey. A graduate of Clemson University, he began his educational career as an elementary and middle school teacher. He has also served as an assistant principal and principal.
O’Malley was one of three finalists selected by the Board. All three finalists spent a day in the district touring schools, meeting employees and members of the community, and undergoing a second interview with the Board. Other finalists were Dr. Shane Robbins, Superintendent of Schools in Fortville,Indiana, and Dr. Ronald Hargrave, Superintendent of Scotland County Schools in Laurinburg, North Carolina.
“All three finalists were excellent candidates. We believe, however, that Dr. O’Malley is the best fit for Florence One,” said Townsend. “He also received very favorable reviews from staff and community members who have interacted with him during this process.”
The Florence School District One board of trustees reportedly received 53 applications for the position from candidates representing 22 different states.