School District 5 Director of Secondary Education, Dr. Akil Ross, will resign in January to pursue speaking to and coaching educators.
“During the past year, school systems and educational organizations have called on me to share my story, and I have been blessed that these invitations have taken me across the country,” Ross said. 
“I have always believed that when you commit to something, you must commit with your whole heart. As I answer these calls to speak, I want to be fair to the position of director and to School District 5.”
Ross joined the district in 2005 as an assistant principal at Chapin High School. He served as principal from 2010 to 2018 and in October 2017 was named the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) 2018 National Principal of the Year.
Under Ross’ leadership, Chapin High was recognized as a South Carolina Palmetto’s Finest Award recipient in 2015. 
He challenged his faculty to aim for a 100% graduation rate. 
In July 2018, Ross was named School District 5 Director of Secondary Education. Last month, he was named the 2018 Outstanding Black Alumnus by the My Carolina Alumni Association.
“We appreciate all that Dr. Ross has done as an administrator and director in School District 5,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Melton said. 
“The legacy that he leaves here will never be forgotten, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Reggie Dean, who retired as the district’s director of secondary education last July, will serve as interim secondary education director until the position is filled.