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MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Marion County School District Superintendent Dr. Kandace Bethea announced earlier this week that she's retiring at the end of the school year to pursue a "brand new journey."

Bethea has been hailed as an exceptional leader who has made a big difference in the lives of students across Marion County.

She's worked in education for three decades, but has been the district's superintendent for the past nine years.

Bethea's career began as an elementary teacher in Lexington School District Two.

She has served as a school administrator in Sumter, Richland and Marion Counties.

Dr. Bethea previously served as director of curriculum and instruction and deputy superintendent before being named to the position.

She released the following statement on her pending retirement:

"It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve alongside you. When I stepped into the superintendency as an interim in 2016. I never could have imagined the incredible ride ahead. Together, we have built programs, turned challenges into opportunities, and opened doors of possibilities for our students. Serving as your superintendent has been one of the greatest honors of my life. As I approach 30 years in education, I want to share some exciting and personal news. At the conclusion of this school year, it is my intent to retire and begin a brand new journey. I am so proud of what we have accomplished. It's about the teachers who give their all, the staff who keep us moving, the families who support us, and most of all, the students who inspire everything that we do. This next chapter for me is filled with excitement, but my focus right now is on finishing strong. I want this to be the best year ever and to be a celebration of all that we've achieved and all that's still to come for Marion County Schools. "

MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Representatives from the Marion County School District (MCSD) surprised three Johnakin Middle School teachers with financial performance bonuses awarded through the South Carolina Department of Education’s (SCDE) Strategic Compensation Pilot Program.

This state-funded initiative is designed to reward and retain educators whose students show significant year-over-year academic growth, focusing on progress rather than static test scores.

Officials said the program celebrates teachers who move every learner forward, regardless of their starting point.

This year, three MCSD teachers earned a combined total of more than $49,000 in performance-based bonuses.

Individual awards ranged from $2,500 to $25,920, recognizing measurable student gains in English and Mathematics.

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MCSD applied to participate in the pilot, and Johnakin Middle School was selected by the state based on criteria outlined in the application process.

Officials said the program will continue next year, offering eligible teachers another opportunity to be recognized and rewarded for advancing student achievement.

Among this year’s honorees, Nadata Pryce achieved one of the highest student growth metrics in the state. She was joined in recognition by Shemoi Thompson and Marion Blanks, all from Johnakin Middle School.

Superintendent Dr. Kandace Bethea praised the honorees for their dedication and excellence in the classroom:

“We are incredibly proud of our teachers who have been recognized through the South Carolina Department of Education’s Strategic Compensation Pilot Grant. This recognition celebrates hard work, innovation, and resilience — and highlights what we’ve always known: when teachers are empowered, supported, and recognized for their impact, student success follows. I’m so proud of these educators for representing the very best of Marion County — passionate, data-informed, and deeply committed to helping every student grow and achieve. I’m also grateful to see their commitment to student growth honored at the state level.”

The Strategic Compensation Pilot Program is part of a statewide effort to highlight educators who demonstrate exceptional instruction and student engagement. This year, SCDE awarded bonuses to teachers at 37 schools across South Carolina.