York Schools selects next superintendent. Here’s who will lead the district
York School District selected its next superintendent.
The school board on Thursday unanimously approved South Carolina principal Heath Branham for the position. He’ll begin a three-year contract on July 1 with a $200,000 salary.
“This is more than a new role - it is a calling. And I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead,” Branham said in a Facebook post from the district. “York One is a place full of promise—a district built on tradition and driven by a deep belief in every child’s potential. As your superintendent, I will lead with heart, humility, and high expectations.”
Branham is the principal at Centerville Elementary School in Gilbert, a small town in Lexington County near Columbia. He’s held leadership roles in school districts and private education companies.
He began his career as a teacher, then as the principal of multiple elementary schools. Lexington District One promoted him to director of elementary schools before he became the senior vice president over South Carolina’s school turnaround program for the South Carolina Department of Education and EdisonLearning, a for-profit educational service provider.
Branham later worked as the national director of school improvement for EdisonLearning, a position in which he worked with schools and districts across the country, and the director of academic operations for Wake Forest Advantage.
“York is a unique close-knit district – a family – and the board gave very careful consideration to the voices in our community and staff members about our district needs,” board chair Scott Childers said. “We believe that Branham is a molded fit for our York One family. We also believe, given the current needs of our district, Branham is the right person to move our district forward in a positive direction.”
Branham will replace outgoing superintendent Kelly Coxe, who announced in February that she would retire at the end of the school year. She has held the position since 2019.
