Washington is named new superintendent-elect for Jasper schools

By: Bob Huff
Special to Hardeeville Today

Dr. Vashti K. Washington of Summerville, has been named as the superintendent-elect of the Jasper County School District.

The Jasper County Board of Education voted unanimously to execute a four-year contract at an annual salary of $165,000 per year.

Washington serves as an associate superintendent in the Charleston County School District, a position she has held since 2004.

The 1978 graduate of Charleston Southern University has a master's degree in early childhood and earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Nova Southeastern University. She has also completed studies at The Citadel and at Harvard University.

Beginning with 16 years of teaching experience in a multitude of venues, ranging from kindergarten to adult education, Washington then moved into school administration as an assistant principal and principal at the elementary level in several Lowcountry rural schools.

She became the associate superintendent in the Charleston County Schools in 2004 and has primary operational, managerial and administrative responsibility for 20 schools with an enrollment of 9,000 students and a staff of 900.

In 2009, 19 of the 20 schools under her administration met their Adequate Yearly Progress objectives. The Equal Opportunity Commission further honored six with Distinguished Schools status.

Washington introduced the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program to promote a more positive school climate in all schools under her administration.

A unique part of the vote was that one member of the board was ill, but by vote of those in session, was permitted to cast her vote by telephone.

Her "Aye" was hear through the speaker phone.