Superintendent hired for charter district

Statewide board so far has authorized 6 charter schools

The newly named leader of the South Carolina Public Charter School District hopes to expand the number of charter schools in the Palmetto State.

Tim Daniels, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools, has been hired as superintendent for the year-old statewide charter school district. The statewide charter school board offers groups an alternative means to gain approval as a charter school. Until this board was created, groups had to get the OK from the local school board where the charter school planned to locate.

"We have a good thing going," Daniels said. "We've seen the beginning of successful results. Charter schools are a popular choice in South Carolina, and our goal would be to amplify what is the current overwhelming choice of voters," in supporting charter schools.

Daniels oversees Pennsylvania's nonprofit association for charter schools, of which 115 of the state's 123 charter schools are members. Previously, he worked as director of the office of educational initiatives for the Pennsylvania education department. He gave input that was used to create and pass the state's charter school law.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Bucknell University, a master's degree from Harvard University and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

Terrye Seckinger, chairwoman of South Carolina's charter school board, said 45 people applied for the job, and what set Daniels apart was his combination of in-depth knowledge of charter schools paired with a strong understanding of the traditional public education delivery system. The board wanted someone who understands both systems, she said.

"I think he'll be well received," she said. "He is a delightful individual and has a wealth of knowledge in terms of education delivery. We are excited about him coming."

Daniels initially will see to in-house needs, such as hiring a curriculum specialist for the statewide district and developing an employee handbook. His main focus will be the daily operations of the district and encouraging and nurturing the boards of the district's charter schools, Seckinger said.

The state charter board has authorized six schools, five of which will open this coming year. Horizon Middle Academy, which planned to open this fall on Johns Island, delayed its start date until 2009. Two "bricks and mortar" schools will open in Clarendon and Abbeville counties, and three are statewide virtual charter schools.

Daniels will move into his new role Aug. 1. Barbara Nielsen, the state's former education superintendent, has been the charter school district's interim superintendent for the past school year.

Reach Diette Courrégé at 937-5546 or dcourrege@postandcourier.com.