‘The honor of my professional life.’ Veteran Fort Mill schools superintendent to retire
Chuck Epps, who spent over four decades in Fort Mill schools including the past 15 years as superintendent, will retire this summer. Epps announced the decision when the Fort Mill School Board met Tuesday night.
“Serving this district has been the honor of my professional life,” Epps said.
The announcement comes a week after Rock Hill school superintendent Tommy Schmolze announced his retirement. Now the two highest enrollment districts in the Rock Hill region will turn to new leaders.
Epps will retire on June 30, but committed to staying through the end of the year to assist a new superintendent once one is named. The district hasn’t determined its next steps in finding a new superintendent, according to spokesman Joe Burke.
About the Fort Mill schools superintendent
Epps attended Fort Mill schools before embarking on a 49-year career in education.
All but four of those years came in the Fort Mill district. He’s been a teacher, coach, principal and administrator.
His time as superintendent has been marked by sustained academic achievement for what’s been a growing number of schools. The district nearly doubled in size in the time, and is now the largest district in York County with more than 18,400 students.
“I have seen first-hand what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared vision for education,” Epps said.
Epps said he is proudest of that balance between growth and high academic standards, and is hopeful the next superintendent will be able to maintain it.
“Fort Mill is more than just a district,” Epps said, “it is my family.”
This story was originally published February 5, 2025 at 7:13 AM.
