News Summary
The Lexington-Richland School District Five is undergoing significant leadership changes with the recent appointments of Amy Sgorrano at Chapin Elementary and Reed Gunter at Dutch Fork High School. Sgorrano, who has 20 years of teaching experience, takes over from retiring principal Jesse Hutchinson, while Gunter, previously interim principal, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Ed Davis and Denise Barth have also been named principals at Chapin High and Chapin Intermediate, respectively. The district looks forward to these leaders fostering a supportive educational environment.
Chapin and Dutch Fork Schools Welcome New Principals
Exciting changes are happening in the Lexington-Richland School District Five as new leadership steps in at Chapin Elementary and Dutch Fork High Schools! With a focus on community and educational excellence, the district is gearing up for a fresh start as school leaders transition into their new roles.
A Warm Welcome for Amy Sgorrano at Chapin Elementary
First up, we have Amy Sgorrano, who has been appointed as the new principal of Chapin Elementary School. She takes over the reins from Jesse Hutchinson, who is retiring at the end of this school year. Sgorrano is no stranger to the Chapin community, having previously served as an assistant principal at the same school. Known for her dedication and connection to the students and families in the area, she is thrilled about this opportunity to serve as principal.
With an impressive 20 years of teaching experience under her belt, Sgorrano has a solid foundation in education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Level Education from the State University of New York and later, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. Her understanding of the Chapin community is considered a major strength, promising a seamless transition in leadership.
Reed Gunter Leads the Way at Dutch Fork High School
Meanwhile, Reed Gunter has been appointed as the principal of Dutch Fork High School, succeeding Dr. Gerald Gary. Gunter has been stepping up to the plate as the interim principal since February 2025. Previously serving as an assistant principal at Dutch Fork High, Gunter also brings experience from his time as an assistant principal at Dutch Fork Middle and has dedicated 10 years to teaching middle school English Language Arts. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Level Education, along with a master’s degree in Educational Administration and an additional master’s in Divergent Learning.
Chief Academic Officer Tina McCaskill is confident in Gunter’s leadership and his deep understanding of the Dutch Fork school community. It’s a perfect match, ensuring that students and staff feel supported under his guidance.
Change is in the Air at Chapin High and Intermediate Schools
In addition to the appointments at Chapin Elementary and Dutch Fork High, Ed Davis has been named the new principal of Chapin High School, previously serving as the principal at Chapin Intermediate. Davis comes highly regarded, known for his passion and respect within the community. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Social Studies Teaching Certification from the University of Michigan.
As Davis steps into his new role, Brent Davis will take over as the principal of Chapin Intermediate School, thereby replacing Ed Davis in that position. Denise Barth has also made the leap to Chapin Intermediate, moving from her role as the principal of Catawba Trail Elementary, where she had a remarkable tenure since 2011. With over 30 years in education, Barth is not just experienced but also recognized as a 2017 National Distinguished Principal and the South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year in the same year.
Superintendent-elect Dr. Christina Melton has welcomed Barth to the School District Five family, acknowledging her commitment and expertise in instructional leadership. With these finely tuned appointments, the schools in our community are set to continue fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students.
Looking Ahead
This revitalization of leadership in the Lexington-Richland School District Five is a promising sign of positive changes not just for the schools, but for the entire community. With dedicated leaders stepping in, there’s a lot to look forward to in the years ahead as they work together to achieve excellence in education.
Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the exciting developments in our schools. It’s an exhilarating time for Chapin and Dutch Fork, and the future looks bright!
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily
- Wikipedia: Lexington-Richland School District Five
- Fox Carolina
- Google Search: Chapin High School
- WIS TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Principals
- WACH
- Google News: Chapin Elementary School
- ABC Columbia
- Google Scholar: Educational leadership
- The State
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
