A veteran South Carolina educator with more than two decades of experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels has been selected as Lexington School District Two’s new chief academic and innovation officer.

currently serves as assistant superintendent for school leadership in the Greenville County Schools, the state’s largest district, where he provides support to 20 schools. Dr. McDonald’s hire was recommended by Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner and approved by the Board of Trustees at its March 21 meeting.

During his 23 years in education,  Dr. McDonald has worked to enhance academic outcomes for students across a variety of schools, communities, and in numerous capacities. All of the schools he has led as principal, as well as those he currently supervises in Greenville County, have posted gains in student achievement and continue to make gains over their pre-pandemic academic performance levels.

“Dr. McDonald has a stellar reputation as an instructional leader who understands the complexity of our state’s accountability system as well as putting what’s best for students first,” Dr. Hafner said.  “It is evident that Dr. McDonald is a true champion for children.”

Before becoming assistant superintendent for school leadership seven years ago with Greenville County Schools, he served as principal at Northwest Middle, also in Greenville County (2013-2017), and at Indian Land Middle School (2008-2013) and Indian Land Elementary/Middle School (2007-2008), both in the Lancaster County School District. He started his education career in 2001 as a history teacher at Lancaster High School.  

His professional affiliations through the years, Dr. McDonald has served as a ninth grade orientation program coordinator, ninth grade academy leadership team member, high school curriculum committee chair,  assistive technology committee member (special education), and district accreditation steering committee member, among others.  He has been invited to present at a number of conferences at local, state, and national levels to groups of educators and advocates for schools.

Dr. McDonald holds a bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University, a master’s degree from Concordia University, and education specialist and doctoral degrees from the University of South Carolina.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Lexington Two team,” Dr. McDonald said. “I have been impressed with the focus on student achievement, high quality learning, and excitement to engage students in their educational journey.  I look forward to serving alongside Dr. Hafner as she continues to challenge us all to meet the needs of our students and serve our community.”

Dr. McDonald will begin his new role on July 1.