Chester County School District

Deep Roots, Bright Futures

One District’s Mission to Empower Every Student

For Chester County School District (CCSD), education is more than academics — it’s a commitment to community, culture, and opportunity. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Antwon Sutton, the South Carolina district has spent the past three years cultivating what he calls the “Four Big Roots” — the core values that define the district’s purpose and guide every classroom, program, and partnership.

“We’ve worked hard to define what our district stands for,” Dr. Sutton explains. “Those four roots — Organizational Culture, Academic Achievement, Learning Environment, and Community Engagement — keep us grounded and growing in the right direction.”

Together, these roots have shaped Chester County’s mission: to create safe, supportive, and innovative learning spaces that prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

Nurturing the Whole Child

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Denise Khalid, emphasizes that CCSD’s success begins with understanding every child as a whole person — academically, emotionally, and socially.

“We know our students — not just their test scores,” she says. “We know their families, their interests, and their circumstances. When we meet their basic needs and understand how each child learns, we can truly unlock their potential.”

That philosophy extends across the district’s schools, where teachers are empowered to tailor instruction to individual learning styles. “We see it every day,” Khalid adds. “Teachers recognize when a student needs more processing time, or a different way to demonstrate understanding. They have the flexibility to adjust — and that responsiveness makes all the difference.”

The district’s emphasis on relationships and responsive teaching reflects its commitment to equity. With many families facing economic challenges, CCSD ensures that every student has access to meals, counseling, and academic support — removing barriers to learning before lessons even begin.

Technology as a Tool, Not a Replacement

As technology reshapes modern education, Chester County School District has positioned itself at the forefront of digital innovation — while maintaining the essential human connection between teacher and student.

A former business and computer programming teacher, Dr. Sutton is quick to joke that “technology is bad” — before clarifying that he’s anything but a skeptic. “It should never replace instruction,” he says. “Technology should enhance it.”

The district was one of the first in South Carolina to implement a 1:1 student-device program, ensuring every student has access to digital learning tools. Today, that initiative is supported by a structured replacement cycle to keep devices up to date, as well as continuous Wi-Fi and network upgrades across all campuses.

In 2023, CCSD completed a major investment in classroom technology by replacing all Clear Touch interactive panels, the latest generation of smart boards, district-wide.

Inside classrooms, technology serves as both a creative outlet and a bridge to the wider world.

“We want students to be creators, not just consumers,” says Khalid. “They’re podcasting, coding, editing video, and using AI tools appropriately to help shape their projects.”

Virtual field trips, digital collaboration platforms, and subject-specific tech — from welding simulators to digital design software — bring real-world experiences directly to the classroom.

Pathways to the Future

Recognizing that not every student will take the same path after graduation, Chester County has made Career and Technical Education (CTE) a cornerstone of its district identity.

“Our goal is for every student to graduate with choices — college, workforce, or military,” Dr. Sutton says. “We want them ready for whatever comes next.”

That readiness begins with career pathways designed around both student interest and local workforce needs. The district’s Career Center offers programs in health sciences, welding, cosmetology, agriculture, manufacturing, and graphic design, each integrating modern technology and industry standards.

“We talk directly with employers to understand what they need,” Sutton explains. “Whether it’s soft skills, certifications, or technical expertise, we build those into our curriculum.”

Through partnerships with the Chester Regional Medical Center, local farms, and regional manufacturers, students gain hands-on experience through job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships.

“We have the students,” Sutton notes. “Industry has the opportunities. When we connect those, we build a true workforce pipeline.”

That collaboration extends to the Chester Area Development Association, where district leaders meet regularly with business and industry representatives to align training with regional economic development goals.

College Credit and Real-World Credentials

For students pursuing higher education, Chester County has developed strong partnerships with York Technical College, USC Lancaster, and Winthrop University.

Programs such as the Early College initiative allow high schoolers to earn college credit — and in some cases, associate degrees — before graduation.

“We’re working to expand early college and dual-credit opportunities,” Khalid says. “It’s a huge economic advantage for families, reducing the cost of postsecondary education while giving students a head start.”

CCSD’s partnership with Winthrop University supports a Teacher Cadet program, while collaboration with USC Lancaster aims to offer juniors and seniors a structured path toward an Associate of Science degree.

The district also ensures that students are prepared socially and emotionally for college life. “When you enter as a junior, you miss that freshman onboarding experience,” Khalid explains. “We’re helping our students build the confidence and skills to navigate those transitions successfully.”

Investing in Facilities and Infrastructure

While instruction takes center stage, Chester County has also invested heavily in the facilities and infrastructure that support student learning.

With limited capital options under South Carolina’s Act 388 funding structure, Dr. Sutton and his team have focused on strategic, high-impact projects using the district’s 8% bonding capacity.

Over the past five years, the district has: undertaken a number of key infrastructure priorities that range from replacing and upgrading HVAC systems to improve classroom comfort and air quality, completing roofing repairs and parking lot resurfacing across multiple campuses, as well as adding four new classrooms and expanded office space at a growing elementary school.

The district has also constructed a new canopy system for student safety during drop-off and pick-up, upgraded athletic facilities, including tennis courts, baseball and softball improvements, and the county’s first regulation track, allowing Chester County to host competitive meets locally and has enhanced the  school safety through secure entry vestibules, new surveillance systems, and updated bus cameras. The district also made it top priority to replace student furniture district-wide, improving ergonomics and learning environments.

“We’ve focused on projects that directly affect students’ daily experience,” says Sutton. “From air conditioning to athletics, every investment improves their quality of learning and school pride.”

Looking Ahead: The Next 18–24 Months

The district’s immediate priorities focus on expanding academic opportunities and deepening community connections. Dr. Sutton explains that this will take the form of Early College and Dual Credit expansion, Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors growth, a continued focus on developing career placements and career partnerships and apprenticeships offerings with the community it proudly serves.

Continuing to modernize learning environments and enhance safety infrastructure across all schools.

“We’re investing in our people, our programs, and our places,” Dr. Sutton says. “But above all, we’re investing in our students’ future.”

When Dr. Sutton arrived, he noticed that much of the district’s good work went unseen. His solution was simple but transformative: start telling the story.

With Director of Marketing and Communications Christopher Christoph leading the charge, CCSD now shares its successes through video, photography, and digital storytelling — capturing the achievements of students, teachers, and programs across the district.

“We have so many great things happening,” Sutton says. “People just needed to see them. Now, our story is out there — and it’s one of pride, progress, and purpose.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Chester County School District

What: A dynamic school district committed to community, students and a bright future ahead with dedicated academic and career pathway routes to success

Where: Chester County, South Carolina

Website: www.chester.k12.sc.us