Gary named Lexington 3 schools chief

Lexington 3 went within its ranks to promote Randall Gary to school superintendent.

Gary takes charge of overseeing schools in Batesburg-Leesville July 1 as he moves from his current assistant superintendent position.

“We know that he will lead our district in the right direction,” school board chairman Leon Drafts said in announcing the selection Friday. “His heart and passion for children, teachers and other staff members will provide wonderful opportunities for all.”

Gary came to Lexington 3 nearly two years ago after an 18-year career in Richland 2. He promised to build on the “commitment and dedication” of teachers and staff to improve academic performance.

Board members picked Gary from three finalists. The others were Lexington 4 Superintendent Linda Lavender and Berkeley County assistant superintendent Kevin O’Gorman.

Gary will be paid $130,000 a year. He succeeds J. Chester Floyd, who is retiring.

Lexington 3 is the smallest of five school districts in Lexington County. It has slightly more than 2,000 students in four schools and 335 employees, about half of them teachers.

Lexington 3 pupils come from the west edge of Lexington County and a slice of adjoining Saluda County.

This story was originally published March 27, 2015 at 11:23 AM with the headline "Gary named Lexington 3 schools chief."