Palmetto State’s School for Deaf and Blind has new leader

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By HEATHER WALTERS

The S.C. School for the Deaf and Blind is under new leadership.

Jolene Madison has been named president of the Spartanburg-based school. Madison has 25 years of experience in special education and previously served as the school’s director of Education and Special Education Services. She also previously worked for the Greenville County School System and has been an administrative assistant principal and special education teacher.

“We are delighted to have a new president with extensive experience in special education and related services as well as educational administration,” said Scott Brawley, chairman of the SCSDB Board of Commissioners. “We are excited by Jolene’s vision for the students and staff, and we look forward to working with her to serve individuals throughout South Carolina.”

According to a press release, Madison is currently pursuing a doctorate at Clemson University. She holds an educational specialist degree as well as superintendent and principal certifications from Arkansas State University. She completed a master’s degree in education from Southern Wesleyan University and earned certification in special education from Clemson University. She completed a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Bob Jones University.

“I am honored to be selected as the next president of the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind,” said Madison, in a written statement. “I look forward to building upon our rich heritage and furthering the mission of SCSDB through innovative, accessible educational programming provided in a safe, inclusive environment on campus and through the Division of Outreach’s continued partnerships with local school districts across the state.”

There are several students from Colleton County who attend this state school.

One student is from Walterboro and a second student is from Ruffin.

More students from Colleton County are also served through the school’s outreach programs, which offers hearing services to the local Colleton County School District. The S.C. School for the Deaf and Blind also offers educational workshops and presentations. According to the school’s director of public relations, Katie Rice, several parents and educators from Colleton County have taken these courses in recent years.

The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind is the state’s specialized school for students who are deaf or blind. It offers pre-K-12 educational programs on its main campus in Spartanburg and specialized vision and hearing services in school districts and homes throughout the state. For more information, go to www.scsdb.org or call the school’s toll-free number at 1-888-447-2732.