Rhodes hired to oversee community’s gang prevention grant
October 7, 2009

At its meeting Tuesday night, the Kershaw County School Board voted to hire Kevin Rhodes to oversee the administration of the federal four-year $5.7 million gang prevention grant.

“Mr. Rhodes brings tremendous business and public service background to this position. He has outstanding teambuilding, collaborative and interpersonal skills,” said Kershaw County School District Superintendent Frank Morgan. “I was especially pleased that we were able to find someone from this community to take on this important role.”

Morgan said that the hiring of a project director to oversee the comprehensive grant was a part of the agreement for receiving the federal funds. Rhodes’ salary is paid out of the federal grant funds.

A ten-year resident of Kershaw County, Rhodes has extensive management experience—primarily in the pharmaceutical industry—and has won numerous national awards for his work. While in the private sector he has successfully planned and executed multiple projects using his financial, communication and management skills. He also brings administrative experience managing, motivating and training others.

“I'm humbled and honored to have been asked to serve Kershaw County in such an important way,” Rhodes said. This project will bring much-needed resources to the children and families in our community, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be involved with its implementation. In addition, I can't think of anything I'd rather spend my time doing than working with and on behalf of kids.”

Rhodes is also a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, having been named the 2008 Wateree District Scouter of the Year and the 2006 Wateree District Cubmaster of the Year.

“As a parent, concerned citizen and volunteer I've found that the more I get involved, the more blessed I've been as a result,” Rhodes explained. “I'm looking forward to strengthening the relationships I already have as well as building new ones to ensure that this project is successful in making a positive difference in Kershaw County and beyond.”

Morgan said that Rhodes will be responsible for ensuring that all initiatives outlined in the grant are accomplished. The funds—provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grants program—will focus on preventive efforts including counseling, intervention and support programs.

Married to Rhonda, the Rhodes have two children, Andrew and Meredith, who attend Lugoff-Elgin Middle School and Lugoff Elementary School respectively.

For more information: Mary Anne Byrd, (803) 432-8416 ext. 1229