Rock Hill Schools names new superintendent after abrupt resignation one week into school year

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The Rock Hill Schools Board of Trustees announced Saturday the district’s new superintendent after the previous one abruptly resigned one week into the school year.

The board said after receiving interest from several candidates, they decided Dr. Tommy Schmolze was the best fit.

“The board is very excited about tonight’s decision, and we are all in agreement that Dr. Schmolze is the perfect fit for our community and our students,” said board of trustees’ Chairperson Helena Miller. “He is coming home to the district that he first started at, and we know that our district will be in excellent hands under his leadership. His commitment to the Rock Hill community and vision for our future is what impressed the board during the interview process.”

Schmolze currently serves as the assistant superintendent of administration and student services in the Fort Mill School District. Working as a principal, coach and teacher, he has been an active part of the Rock Hill community for the past 29 years.

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The vote for former Superintendent Bill Cook’s release was made at a board of trustees meeting in August. His resignation was effective immediately. Cook had been the superintendent since 2018.

John Jones, the district’s chief of academics & accountability, was appointed as interim superintendent until the board decided on a new superintendent. Jones will now return to that position.

“The board is very grateful for the service of interim Superintendent Dr. John Jones,” Miller said. “And we look forward to Dr. Schmolze and him working together on a smooth transition for our staff and district during January. Dr. Jones continues to be a cherished employee — collectively the board wants to say thank you to all the candidates that sought this position.”

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Cook was the executive director of secondary schools at RHS in 2015. The board of trustees thanked Cook for his dedication and leadership to the district.

Cook said the timing was right for transition and leadership.

“There are simply no adequate words to express my gratitude to the amazing district staff, school administrators, teachers and support staff as they provide for our students, families and community,” Cook said in a statement.

Cook said he was proud of what the district did during the pandemic, especially in safety and retention.

“His leadership, strong work ethic and attention to detail during the pandemic have been centered around keeping our students safe and secure and for that we are eternally grateful,” Miller said. “On behalf of the students of Rock Hill Schools, we want to wish Dr. Cook well and much success in his future endeavors.”

There are 17,300 students who are enrolled in RHS.

Prior to his employment in RHS, Cook served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in Gaston County Schools.

Cook began his career in 1987 as a marketing teacher at Sun Valley High School.

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