Two school districts in Lexington County announced high-profile hires this week.

Chapin High School, part of Lexington-Richland School District 5, has a new principal in Ed Davis, who was approved for the post at a June 12 school board meeting.

The district looked within for the hire, promoting Davis from his previous post as principal of Chapin Intermediate School.

Per a release, Davis began his 24-year career in education as a teacher, coach and administrator in Chicago before moving to South Carolina in 2009 to become an assistant principal at Columbia High School. He joined District 5 in 2013, beginning work at Spring Hill High School when it opened in 2013, again serving as assistant principal. He moved on within the district to become principal at Harbison West Elementary School from 2016 to 2019.

He holds a master’s in education administration from Northern Illinois University and an education specialist degree from the University of South Carolina.

“I am honored, humbled and excited to be joining another awesome community of learners, educators and stakeholders in School District Five,” Davis is quoted. “Chapin High School has served the Chapin community for almost 100 years! During that time, thousands of students have been given the opportunity to learn, grow and mature into awesome young adults. I’m looking forward to continuing this rich tradition of service and excellence.”

In the release, District 5 Superintendent Akil Ross extols his experience as a “passionate and well-respected administrator.”

“Mr. Davis is student-focused and has an understanding of the Chapin Community, both staff and families,” the superintendent is quoted. “I am confident he will continue to foster a nurturing and supportive learning environment where our students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

Previous Chapin High Principal Michael Ames had served in the post since 2018.

Lexington County School District 2, which serves West Columbia, Cayce and Springdale, announced the hire of Matt Warren as its deputy superintendent.

Warren, who was recommended by Superintendent Brenda Hafner, was approved by the Lexington 2 board at its June 12 meeting.

Warren comes to the post with “nearly a decade of experience in operations areas,” a release details.

He currently serves as interim chief operations officer for Lexington County School District 2, a role he has held since 2022. He previously moved through various district operations roles with Lexington 1 starting in 2015, rising to the post of director of operations from 2020 to 2022. He began his education career in 2003 as a secondary resource teacher for White Knoll High School, where he later became an occupational credentials instructor and assistant administrator before becoming assistant principal at Gilbert High School.

Warren holds a bachelor’s from Presbyterian College and a master’s from the University of South Carolina.

“I am excited about the wealth of knowledge and work experiences that Mr. Warren brings to the table,” Hafner is quoted. “His reputation in the Midlands is one of outstanding leadership, work ethic, and dependability.”