Chapin, South Carolina, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington-Richland School District Five has appointed new principals for Chapin Elementary School and Dutch Fork High School. Amy Sgorrano will lead Chapin Elementary, taking over from retiring Jesse Hutchinson, while Reed Gunter has been appointed principal of Dutch Fork High School, succeeding Dr. Gerald Gary. Both principals come with extensive educational experience and qualifications, promising to foster a positive environment in their respective schools. The district also faces budget challenges influenced by the opening of Gray Collegiate Academy, with discussions on potential savings measures underway.
Chapin, South Carolina: Lexington-Richland School District Five Appoints New Principals
The Lexington-Richland School District Five has appointed new principals for Chapin Elementary School and Dutch Fork High School as part of its ongoing leadership changes. Amy Sgorrano has been appointed to lead Chapin Elementary, while Reed Gunter takes the helm at Dutch Fork High, both effective immediately.
Amy Sgorrano replaces Jesse Hutchinson, who is retiring at the end of the current school year. Sgorrano previously served as an assistant principal at Chapin Elementary and held the position of administrative assistant principal at Ballentine Elementary School. With 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, Sgorrano has solid foundations in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Level Education from the State University of New York and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina. Chief Academic Officer Tina McCaskill praised her for being a passionate and well-respected administrator who possesses a deep understanding of the Chapin community.
Reed Gunter steps in as principal of Dutch Fork High School, succeeding Dr. Gerald Gary, who has now transitioned to become the Chief Operations Officer for the district. Gunter has been serving as the interim principal since February and brings significant experience to his new role, having previously worked as an assistant principal at both Dutch Fork High and Dutch Fork Middle Schools. Additionally, Gunter has 10 years of experience as a middle school English Language Arts teacher and has been involved as a coach for both C-team football and varsity lacrosse. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Level Education, alongside a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina, and a second master’s in Divergent Learning from Columbia College. McCaskill commended Gunter for his rich leadership experience and comprehensive understanding of Dutch Fork High.
In addition to the principal appointments, the Lexington-Richland School District Five will recognize students for high PSAT and SAT scores, with several students achieving perfect scores. Irmo High School’s Student Council has also been recognized as a 2025 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils.
The district is currently facing potential challenges in maintaining student enrollment with the opening of the new Gray Collegiate Academy in Irmo. Funding for the district heavily relies on state appropriations, making up 64% of its budget. A recent budget workshop discussed possible savings measures, including concerns raised about the impact of the Gray Collegiate campus on local schools and their funding. Board member Catherine Huddle suggested exploring administrative staff reductions as a potential cost-saving measure. Superintendent Akil Ross emphasized the need to ensure every child is accounted for in the budget planning process.
Background of School Leadership Changes
The changes in leadership within the Lexington-Richland School District Five align with a broader commitment to enhance the educational environment for students and create a strong foundation for future academic achievements. The district continues to work towards optimizing its administration in light of the evolving educational landscape and various external challenges.
Conclusion
As the new principals take their positions, the community anticipates positive developments in their respective schools, fostering a supportive and enriching educational atmosphere for all students.
FAQ
Who is the new principal of Chapin Elementary School?
Amy Sgorrano has been appointed as the new principal of Chapin Elementary School.
Who did Amy Sgorrano replace at Chapin Elementary?
Sgorrano replaces Jesse Hutchinson, who is retiring at the end of the school year.
What is Amy Sgorrano’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Level Education from State University of New York and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of South Carolina.
Who is the new principal of Dutch Fork High School?
Reed Gunter has been appointed principal of Dutch Fork High School.
Who did Reed Gunter succeed at Dutch Fork High School?
Gunter succeeds Dr. Gerald Gary, who is now the Chief Operations Officer for the district.
What educational qualifications does Reed Gunter have?
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Level Education and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of South Carolina, along with a second master’s in Divergent Learning from Columbia College.
What is the significance of the budget workshop discussed by the district?
The budget workshop discussed possible savings measures in response to anticipated challenges due to the opening of the new Gray Collegiate Academy and its impact on local schools and their funding.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Principal at Chapin Elementary | Amy Sgorrano appointed, replaces retiring Jesse Hutchinson. |
| New Principal at Dutch Fork High School | Reed Gunter appointed, succeeds Dr. Gerald Gary. |
| Amy Sgorrano’s Experience | 20 years as a classroom teacher, previous assistant principal at Chapin Elementary. |
| Reed Gunter’s Experience | Interim principal since February, 10 years as middle school ELA teacher. |
| District Recognition | Students will be honored for high PSAT and SAT scores. |
| Budget Challenges | Concerns raised regarding the impact of Gray Collegiate Academy on local schools. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chapin and Dutch Fork Schools Appoint New Principals
Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Two School Principals Hired in the Midlands
- Wikipedia: Chapin, South Carolina
- Columbia Star: School News Briefs
- Google Search: Lexington-Richland School District Five
- The State: Local Education News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational System
- WIS TV: New Principal Named at Chapin High School
- Google News: Chapin High School
- Lexington Chronicle: New Principal Announcements
- Google Scholar: Education Leadership
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.
