Greenwood County School District 52 board hires Austin Sargent as English teacher and head football coach

The Greenwood County School District 52 Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Jan. 28, 2026, to hire Austin Sargent as an English teacher at Ninety Six High School and as the school's head football coach for the 2026–2027 school year. Ray Jackson moved the hiring motion after an executive session on employment matters; Darren Carter seconded, and all board members present voted in favor.

The decision followed an executive session called at 12:03 p.m. to discuss employment matters related to a person identified in the minutes as "Candidate A." The board returned to open session at 12:18 p.m., after which the hiring motion was made and approved. Adam Eichelberger called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.; Dr. Taylor offered opening remarks before the executive session.

The board members listed as present in the meeting minutes were Adam Eichelberger (chair), Jay Reynolds (committee member), Ray Jackson (committee member), Darren Carter (committee member) and London Thomas (committee member). The hiring motion was recorded as moved by Ray Jackson and seconded by Darren Carter; the minutes state "all were in favor." The board adjourned at 12:20 p.m. after a motion by Jay Reynolds that Darren Carter seconded.

The minutes do not specify salary, start date, contract length, or whether the hire is contingent on background checks or district approvals beyond the board vote. The minutes refer to the employment discussion generically as concerning "Candidate A." No public comment or deliberations on the record are included in the minutes beyond the motions and votes.