Our District
Are you interested in joining a valued and dedicated team of professionals who prepare students to become college, career, and military ready? Then Sumter School District is the place for you. Nationally known for excellence, Sumter School District boasts nationally accredited STEM Schools, state of the art technology, National Board Certified Teachers, prestigious scholarship recipients, and athletic championships. Sumter School District is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and high-quality educational environment that supports diversity and equips students for local and global success. #TeachSumter #SumterSDProud
Sumter School District was formed on July 1, 2011, by consolidating Sumter School Districts Two and 17. Dr. William Wright currently serves as the district’s superintendent. Sumter School District enrolls more than 14,500 students in grades preschool through 12 and employs over 3,000 staff members. The district encompasses 682 square miles and serves students at 15 elementary schools, seven middle schools, three high schools, one alternative learning program, an adult education program, and the Sumter Career and Technology Center.
Sumter School District helps all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the SC Graduate by equipping them to be responsible, successful, and productive citizens in a global society. We focus on student achievement by ensuring challenging curricula and high expectations. Our recent reaccreditation by Cognia, the organization which conducts rigorous, on-site, external reviews of schools and school systems to ensure that all learners realize their full potential, is evidence of our academic success and continuous improvement.
Our academic programs address rigorous standards in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Research based best practices focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Data is used to plan and implement instruction in order to differentiate instruction, monitor student progress, and set appropriate goals. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) uses data-based problem solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and intervention.
The district infuses 21st Century teaching by emphasizing Science, technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the use of digital libraries, and the implementation of cutting edge technology. Our students have access to world languages, fine arts, advanced placement, college level dual enrollment, the International Baccalaureate program, and the Gifted and Talented program. Through our expansive Career and Technology Education (CTE) courses and numerous offerings at the Sumter Career and Technology Center, our students are developing career-ready skills. Sumter School District also produces well rounded students through robust athletic programs and award winning extracurricular clubs and organizations.
Our students develop life and career characteristics and soft skills through career exploration including exposure to employers via career fairs, shadowing, work cooperatives, and partnerships; efforts and events sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce and workforce readiness partners; and mentoring programs. Character development is encouraged and taught through character education, classroom guidance, small groups, and intervention programs. Sumter School District works diligently to ensure that every student graduates on time and is prepared for post-secondary education, is career ready, and has the foundation to become a productive citizen.
Our Superintendent
William T. Wright, Jr., Ed. D. was born in Flint, Michigan, but primarily was raised primarily in the Northern part of Nash County, NC, in a community named Swift Creek where both of his parents were raised as children. Dr. Wright is a 1983 graduate of Northern Nash High School in Rocky Mount, NC, and at the time of his graduation, was the youngest graduate in the school’s history at 16 years-of-age.
After several years of working as a radio broadcaster and manufacturing manager, Dr. Wright finally started his career as a teacher at Edwards Junior High School in Rocky Mount, NC, in 1998. Six years later, he assumed his first principalship at South Edgecombe Middle School in Pinetops, NC, where he served for three years. Wright holds the distinction of being the first African-American principal of South Edgecombe Middle.
Wright also served as the principal of Western Harnett High School in Lillington, NC, for three years.
Wright served as assistant superintendent of auxiliary services for Harnett County Schools for two years. He also served as superintendent of McCormick County Schools in South Carolina for 2 ½ years. Dr. Wright returned to his home state after being selected and sworn in as superintendent of Hertford County Schools in December 1, 2015.
Dr. Wright earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, NC, in 1998. He also holds a Master of School Administration degree from North Carolina State University which he earned in 2004. On December 17, 2011, Dr. Wright earned his Doctor of Education degree from North Carolina State University.
William Wright, Jr., is married to Mary Barnes Wright, also of Nash County (his high school classmate). They have 32 years of united matrimony. Mr. and Mrs. Wright share two sons, William (Tre`) III, who works with Kaplan Education as a recruiter and M. Deonte`, who is a 3rd grade teacher in the NC public school system.
Dr. Wright is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and has been so since 1985. Wright was selected as the Superintendent of the Year for the 2020-2021 School Year by Northeast Regional Education Service Alliance, a conglomerate of 18 school districts in Northeastern North Carolina. He served as the treasurer of the Roanoke River Valley Education Consortium. He also served on the UNC World View Council of Advisors. Dr. Wright still serves as the musician at Union Hill Baptist Church in Nashville, NC. He currently has a podcast that is published on Facebook Live and YouTube called The Wright Experience aimed at educational and professional leadership. Dr. William T. Wright, Jr. currently serves as the Superintendent of the Sumter School District.