As a pitcher in the college and professional baseball ranks, Orangeburg County Consolidated School District 4 Superintendent Dr. Thomas Sparks learned the importance of teamwork.

"I'm a teamwork kind of guy," he said. "I have seen the success that takes place when teams work together and the lack of success that takes place when they don't."

Sparks plans to bring the team concept to his latest start in OCSD 4.



Being the district's team captain, Sparks said he will analyze everything for the next six months and then determine where improvements can be made.

Right off the bat, he has noticed student test scores could be improved. He cautions that won't happen overnight.

Sparks wants to strengthen early childhood development in the district to give young students a solid start. In addition, he said he will closely examine teacher training and SAT/ACT preparation classes.

His teaching philosophy is to let the most skilled teachers instruct academically challenged students.

"I'm just making sure we as a district are doing everything we can to prepare our kids for success," he said.

His long-term goal is to ensure everything the district does maximizes learning opportunities for students. He believes that is essential for students to reach their potential in a global society.

Going forward, Sparks is concerned school funding will continually dwindle in the face of a bleak financial climate.

"We've already cut the meat of our budget. In the future, if cuts continue, that's going to mean cutting valuable programs and services we provide," he said.

After a months-long search to replace former Superintendent Dr. Darrell Johnson, the OCSD 4 board selected Sparks by a narrow 4-3 vote in August.

Sparks admitted the split vote was a concern for him. But he said each trustee has pledged full support to his administration.

"I just take as a honor that they chose me and I'm going to prove to them they were right in the person they chose," he said.

Sparks' path to education actually began on the baseball field. He went 9-0 as a pitcher for the University of Tennessee baseball team his senior year. That performance caught the eyes of Atlanta Braves' scouts. However, after spending three years in the minor leagues, he decided to start a new career.

Sparks took a job as a math teacher and baseball coach in Chattanooga, Tenn. He then moved to South Carolina, teaching in Rock Hill and earning a master's degree from Winthrop University. Sparks received his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

In 2003, he accepted an assistant superintendent position in Lexington School District 3.

Sparks and wife Patty have four children. In his free time, Sparks enjoys reading, history and playing fast-pitch softball.

He is currently reading the biographies of each U.S. presidents in order.

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