The former superintendent of Fairfield County Schools recognized for innovation in education

When J.R. Green received the call that he would receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the SC Association of School Administrators, he was out of town for a family graduation ceremony. The news took him by surprise.

“I did not feel old enough to receive a lifetime achievement award,” says Green. “I’ve since learned that I am one of the youngest recipients of the award — it was truly humbling.”

Those who know Green are aware that his more than 30-year career has been marked by innovation and forward thinking. He’s served as an educator, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent and member of the state board of education.

In 2021, he was named SC Superintendent of the Year. He has been at the helm of many initiatives including the Griffin Bow Tie Club, a mentoring program for males in middle and high school. He championed the Fairfield Career and Technology Center, giving access to vocational and technical training to students throughout Fairfield County. Even though he has retired, it is safe to say that he is still working harder than ever to provide opportunities in our state.

“Retirement has not meant sitting in a rocking chair for me,” says Green. “This profession has been my life’s work and my passion. My grandmother never had the opportunity to learn to read or write. I feel that it is my mission to do all I can to encourage and provide support to our young people, so they can realize their potential.”

Green has partnered with the College of Education and University of South Carolina on many initiatives including the recently developed The Village in Winnsboro, the first community exclusively for educators and school district employees in the state.

“As we combat the teacher shortage, we are getting more creative with strategies to keep our educators in the classroom,” says Green. “We are creating ‘grow your own’ initiatives to develop our instructional assistance and provide support to our educators. I don’t mind thinking outside the box and taking risks.”

The housing development is especially innovative. With the support of the Honorable Jim Rex, former state superintendent of education and Sue Rex, chair of the Fairfield County School District Education Foundation, the district has broken ground and is renting newly built homes to educators teaching in Fairfield County. The project has become a model and is fully rented for the upcoming school year.

“I would encourage fellow educators to not be afraid of doing things that haven’t been done before,” says Green. “Don’t be afraid to explore options and blaze new trails. I’m an eternal optimist, and I want young people to realize their dreams through education.”