Fort Mill board authorizes contract negotiations to install Gray Young as superintendent

The Fort Mill School District board on an in-session motion authorized the board chair and legal counsel to negotiate a contract, effective July 1, 2025, to make Gray Young the district’s next superintendent.

Chair opened the meeting, noting media notification under South Carolina Code of Laws §30-4-80(e), and the board entered executive session to consider superintendent selection before returning to open session and placing a motion on the floor to authorize contract negotiations. Board member (Speaker 3) moved the authorization and Board member (Speaker 4) seconded.

Board members who spoke during the ensuing discussion praised the district’s search process and the finalist’s connection to the community. Board member (Speaker 5) said the candidate stood out because he spoke about being a “transformational superintendent.” Board member (Speaker 6) recounted conversations with the candidate and quoted him saying, “it’s not in my DNA to let Fort Mill fail,” noting the candidate’s attention to students and fit with district culture. Board member (Speaker 4) said students described the candidate as “genuine.”

The Chair then called for a voice vote; at least one board member voiced “aye” and the Chair declared the motion carried. The board did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript provided. The motion instructs the board chair and legal counsel to negotiate the contract so it can become effective on July 1, 2025.

The decision follows a months-long search involving an outside firm, which board members said screened and recommended finalists. Board members noted the selection comes after 15 years since the board last made a superintendent appointment and said they were focused on continuity and transformational leadership.

No details of salary, specific contract terms or the final vote tally were disclosed in the public transcript. The board adjourned and will reconvene June 3 to address the budget.