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TO CONGRATULATE JOSEPH R. "JOE" PYE, SUPERINTENDENT OF DORCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO, ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER AN HONORED CAREER OF MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR MUCH FULFILLMENT AND JOY IN THE DAYS TO COME.
Whereas, after more than fifty-two years of service in the field of education, most recently as superintendent of Dorchester School District Two, Joseph R. "Joe" Pye will soon begin a well-deserved retirement ; and
Whereas, having begun his career as a classroom teacher, Joe Pye next served as an assistant principal for three years and then was principal of Flowertown Elementary School for eleven years. During his time at Flowertown, Mr. Pye was named South Carolina PTA Principal of the Year. He also received the Business Partnership Excellence Award for Education. Under his leadership, Flowertown Elementary was selected as a Palmetto's Finest Award winner, and the school still holds the district record for receiving the South Carolina Incentive Award for the greatest number of years. Mr. Pye continued his professional career at the district level as assistant director of personnel for three years before becoming director of personnel. In March 1999, he was named assistant superintendent of instruction and in July 1999 was selected to serve as superintendent of schools for Dorchester School District Two; and
Whereas, the school district has experienced explosive growth during Joe Pye's tenure as superintendent, with a student population of over 26,000. Ten new schools have been built during this time, bringing the total number of facilities to twenty-four schools, one alternative program, and an adult education facility. Currently, a seventh middle school is under construction to open in the fall of 2022. Through collaborations with business and industries, Mr. Pye has overseen major expansions at all three high schools and formed partnerships that resulted in the joint ownership of a new aquatic center and a state-of-the-art performing arts center. These projects have enhanced quality of life for the entire community. Further, the district has continued to maintain high academic achievement and is ranked as one of the top districts in the State; and
Whereas, Mr. Pye has served with a number of organizations, such as the Oakbrook Rotary Club (past president, Rotary Paul Harris Foundation Award for Leadership) and Charleston Southern Alumni Board (past president). This respected community leader also has served as chairman of the United Way Educator Committee and as a member of the Greater Summerville Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His strong belief in the importance of educating the whole child is illustrated by his more than forty years as a children's Sunday School teacher at Summerville Baptist Church; and
Whereas, in tribute to his exceptional service, Joe Pye has received numerous awards, including induction into The Citadel School of Education Wall of Fame as a Champion of Education. Moreover, in 2012 he was named to the high honor of South Carolina Superintendent of the Year. In 2011, the Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees recognized Mr. Pye's service to the school system and the community by naming Joseph R. Pye Elementary School in his honor; and
Whereas, the House, grateful for the legacy of excellence Joe Pye has bestowed on this great State, extends best wishes 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, congratulate Joseph R. "Joe" Pye, superintendent of Dorchester School District Two, on his retirement after an honored career of more than half a century in the field of education and extend best wishes for much fulfillment and joy in the days to come.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Joseph R. "Joe" Pye.
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