The Clover School District (CSD) Board of Trustees has appointed Rod Ruth as the district’s next Superintendent.
reached during tonight’s School Board Business Meeting following executive session contract negotiations. Ruth will succeed Dr. Sheila Quinn, who announced her upcoming retirement in August.
A Decade of Proven Leadership
Board Chair Rob Wallace highlighted Ruth’s long-standing dedication and performance within the district as key factors in the Board’s decision.
“As a board, we were impressed with the caliber of the senior leadership team and knew that we had the opportunity to consider all options here in Clover School District before looking elsewhere,” said Wallace. “The most gratifying part of hiring Rod Ruth as our next superintendent is that we didn’t have to base it on a single interview. We have been able to watch him work over the past decade and know the type of proven leader he is each and every day.”
Ruth currently serves as CSD’s Chief Student Services and Secondary Education Officer, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to that, he spent eight years as Principal of Clover High School (2015–2023), during which he guided the school to become a finalist for the prestigious Palmetto’s Finest award and was named the 2022 South Carolina Secondary Principal of the Year.
A Commitment to Excellence
Expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him, Ruth emphasized his deep personal and professional connections to the school system and local community.
“From the moment I stepped onto a Clover School District campus nearly 15 years ago, I knew I was somewhere special,” Ruth shared. “One of my favorite things about our district is the manner in which we pursue excellence in all we do and for all we serve. Clover School District is a beautiful blend of storied history and future-ready innovation. Our students represent the very best, and that is why I pledge my very best as their Superintendent.”
He added: “As the parent of both a current student and proud Clover School District graduate, I know the amazing work being done in the schools and programs across our district. It is truly an honor to serve our community and I look forward to continuing to work alongside this amazing team as we pursue excellence for each child and on each day.”
Extensive Educational Background
Ruth brings a wealth of administrative and classroom experience spanning over two decades across South Carolina public schools:
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District & School Leadership:
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2023–Present: Chief Student Services & Secondary Education Officer, Clover School District
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2015–2023: Principal, Clover High School
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2014–2015: Principal, York Middle School
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2012–2014: Assistant Principal, Oakridge Middle School
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2011–2012: Principal, Moore Intermediate School (Florence, S.C.)
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2008–2011: Assistant Principal, Southside Middle School (Florence, S.C.)
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2001–2008: Teacher and Coach, Lake City High School (Florence, S.C.) (Named Teacher of the Year in 2007–2008)
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Ruth earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Francis Marion University, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Winthrop University. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Education Systems Improvement Science at Clemson University.
