Dr. Scott Turner, Superintendent of Spartanburg District 5, was presented the Margaret Burch Educator of the Year Award Thursday night at the Greater Greer Education Foundation benefit gala. Burch is chairman of the foundation board, and the award is named in her honor.
The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce each year recognizes individuals or businesses that have had a significant impact in the field of education, either through innovative programs, unselfish dedication to children, or through other avenues that foster the learning experience.
“I represent a great school district,” Turner said, in accepting the award. “We’ve had some great accomplishments.”
Burch called the benefit gala, which was held at the Greer City Hall Event Complex, "a very successful event."
"We had a grand turnout," she said, "and the people were very generous with their support of the foundation.
"We look forward to the next phase in identifying schools and students that want and need the money.
The benefit gala, she said, is a big job that takes a lot of effort from the community, volunteers and the board. "But all the hard work is worth it when we award the scholarships and grants."
The annual award was presented to Turner by Bunny Richardson of BMW. Richardson is secretary of the foundation.
She noted that Turner had managed a $70 million building project that included two new elementary schools, one new middle school, a district fine arts center and an athletic field house for high schools sports -- evidence that the district has experienced strong growth. “Dr. Turner is an advocate for the education of the whole child, and an avid supporter of the district’s athletic and arts programs,” she said.
Richardson went on to list Turner’s other accomplishments:
• Led and enabled two elementary schools to design and implement magnet programs -- one for arts/humanities and the other for science/technology on their campuses
• Led implementation of elementary and intermediate school foreign language programs
• Supports implementation of technology initiatives in the district schools that allow teachers to stay up to date on current trends
• Was the mastermind behind the District Five School Choice Program that allows students to attend the school of their choice, provided there is space available and they can provide transportation.
• District 5 has continued to prosper during the last five years in spite of massive budget cuts at the state level and the passage of Act 388 that almost entirely eliminated local control of funding for South Carolina school districts. “Tough decisions had to be made, but Dr. Turner strived to protect the classroom teacher and to maintain central services,” she said.
• Led the district through a restructuring and a redrawing of attendance lines with minimal heartache
• Actively involved in the community, serving on numerous education and civic board and speaks as an advocate for students and teachers
The Greater Greer Area includes 26 schools. This year the Foundation awarded eight eight grants to schools, ranging from $250 to $1,500. The Foundation also awarded 10 $500 scholarships to high school seniors to attend a technical or community college.
Proceeds from the this year’s gala, at last tally $35,000, will be dispersed in grants to schools, teachers, students, and worthy educational programs in the Greater Greer area. educators in our community.