COMMENDATIONS GIVEN BY ANDERSON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUR'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

Dr. Gary Burgess was initially employed as Superintendent of Anderson School District Four in June 2003. Prior to that appointment, Dr. Burgess served with distinction as the Principal of Pendleton High School for 4 years, and was employed in other school systems in this state prior to that time.
 
At the time of his appointment as Superintendent, it was contemplated by both parties that Dr. Burgess would serve as Superintendent for a period of three years or until June 30, 2006. Based on mutual agreement and Dr. Burgess’s tireless efforts to improve the quality of education offered to all students, the Superintendent’s contract was amended on several occasions and presently extends through June 30, 2012. After spending 28 years serving the children of this school system and state as an educator, Dr. Burgess recently informed the Board that he would like to retire effective June 30, 2008.

In recognition of his long and valuable service as a professional educator in Anderson School District Four and to public education in South Carolina, the Board has offered, and Dr. Burgess has accepted, a sabbatical leave with pay and benefits, effective August 1, 2008. During his sabbatical, Dr. Burgess will undertake advanced study and professional development. Additionally, during his sabbatical, Dr. Burgess will receive from the District the equivalent of his annual contractual salary and certain benefits in exchange for his willingness to be available to the Board or administration to provide any needed consultant or professional advice, which may be requested.
 
All Board members acknowledge Dr. Burgess’s dedicated service to Anderson School District Four, our state, and our nation, and we wish for him every personal and professional success in his future. In particular, the Board commends Dr. Burgess for his and his staff’s many efforts, which resulted in the passage of a bond referendum in October 2005 to fund the building of a new elementary school and other needed renovations at existing facilities, as well as for the commitment he consistently has demonstrated to increasing student achievement, improving the academic programs offered in our schools, and keeping the District in a financially sound position.
 
Effective immediately, Maurice Lopez will serve as Interim Superintendent, Mr.
Lopez currently is a financial consultant for the District, after having served as the District’s Chief Financial Officer for 4 years, and he has spent over 41 years as a professional educator in this state, including serving for 4 years as superintendent in Anderson School District Three. The Board will announce its plans to conduct a search for a permanent superintendent in the early fall.


Dr. Tom Dobbins, Chairman
Anderson School District Four Board of Trustees


July 11, 2008