South Carolina General Assembly
122nd Session, 2017-2018

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Bill 5356


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A HOUSE RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. SCOTT MERCER, SUPERINTENDENT FOR SPARTANBURG COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER A DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF FORTY YEARS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives have learned that on June 30, 2018, Dr. Scott Mercer will begin a well-deserved retirement after forty years of service as an educator, most recently as superintendent of Spartanburg County School District Two from 2005 to 2018; and

Whereas, in preparation for his life's work, Dr. Mercer earned a bachelor's degree from Fairmont State College and a master's degree in education administration from West Virginia University, followed by a doctorate in education administration from the University of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Scott Mercer began his career in education in his home state of West Virginia, serving there as a teacher and assistant principal. In South Carolina's Horry County, he later served as assistant principal and principal and held several district office positions. He has over thirty years' administrative experience; and

Whereas, under Dr. Mercer's leadership, District Two consistently has placed in the top tier of school districts in the State. He worked with the other Spartanburg districts to establish the Scholars Academy and Early College High School programs. Through those programs, district students are now earning advanced placement and dual credit hours as never before. Last year, they earned a record four thousand thirty-nine hours. In addition, the district's graduation rate has risen steadily during Dr. Mercer's years as superintendent. Last year's rate of eighty-nine percent was the highest in the district's sixty-five-year history. Not only are more students graduating, but also they are equipped with more scholarship money than ever. The class of 2017 earned a record $26.2 million in scholarships; and

Whereas, with the community's support, the district built four schools and remodeled, and added to, many others under Dr. Mercer's leadership. A new Boiling Springs High and a remodeled Boiling Springs Freshman Academy are in the works, thanks to a recent $120 million referendum. The referendum was approved by nearly eighty percent of voters, a sign of the strong partnership that Dr. Mercer has helped forge with the district's stakeholders; and

Whereas, because he believes strongly in supporting his community, Dr. Mercer serves his fellow citizens through membership with the Lions Club, Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and Boiling Springs Business Association. He previously served as chair of the CERRA Board and currently serves on the Disabilities and Special Needs and Upstate Family Resource Center boards; and

Whereas, despite his many commitments as he guides more than ten thousand students and over twelve hundred employees, Dr. Mercer still finds time to teach Sunday School and occasionally enjoys time fishing and hunting. After his retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Toby; their fine children, B.J. and Nate; and their four delightful grandchildren; and

Whereas, the House, grateful for the legacy of committed excellence Dr. Mercer has bestowed on the people of South Carolina, takes great pleasure in wishing him well as he enters retirement. The members trust he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Dr. Scott Mercer, superintendent for Spartanburg County School District Two, upon the occasion of his retirement after a distinguished career of forty years in the field of education and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Scott Mercer.

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