Graveyard to Blooming Garden A story of Redemption and Transformation

In this book, Dr. Green shares the process of transforming the organizational culture of Fairfield County Schools, a district in turmoil that had experienced twelve different school superintendents over a twenty-year period. When Dr. Green arrived as superintendent in 2012, the district was viewed as one of the most dysfunctional systems in the state of South Carolina.

Once described as "the graveyard for superintendents" by former South Carolina State Superintendent, Dr. Jim Rex, Fairfield County Schools has evolved into a model of innovation, student success, employee satisfaction, and community pride. During Dr. Green's tenure, Fairfield County Schools has produced the 2020 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, the 2021 South Carolina Superintendent of the Year, and the 2024 Secondary Principal of the Year.

Dr. Green will provide a firsthand account of the strategies and initiatives he used in leading the evolution of the district. He will leave the reader with valuable insights on how to create an environment of meaningful organizational change.

Dr. J.R. Green has spent the past 30+ years working in K-12 Education. During his tenure he has held positions as a teacher, administrator, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. For the past 12 years he has served as the superintendent of the Fairfield County School District. The FSCD has realized tremendous enhancement to the district's curriculum offerings, built or improved multiple facilities, modified the salary schedule for certified and classified staff, and received multiple state and federal recognitions to include the 2020 S.C. State Teacher of the Year, 2022 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, and S.C. 2021 State Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Green strongly believes he is purposed to work with and to inspire young people. Among the innovative initiatives he launched during his tenure was the Griffin Bow Tie Club, a comprehensive group mentoring program for middle and high school male students. The program is centered around the 5 Wells of Leadership: Well-Read, Well-Spoken, Well-Traveled, Well-Dressed and Well-Balanced.

Within a few years of joining the district Dr. Green, was responsible for overseeing the construction of the new Fairfield Career and Technology Center. The center is a state-of-the-art facility with traditional classroom spaces, labs, an automotive center, barber and cosmetology suites, and a Megatronics and Project Lead the Way program. The center provides career and technical programs of study for students throughout the entire county.

Dr. Green has earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Education, and Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of South Carolina. A Riley Leadership Institute Fellow, Dr. Green is involved in several civic and professional organizations including the Omicron Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Iota Boule' of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, MUSC Board of Trustees, South Carolina Hospital Association Board of Trustees, Board of Directors for Midlands Education & Business Alliance, and United Way of The Midlands Board of Directors. Additionally, Dr. Green serves as a Deacon at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Ridgeway, South Carolina.

A native South Carolinian, Dr. Green currently resides in Winnsboro with his wife Tonya and daughters, Jamara, Janelle, and Jacia.

He impresses upon students that education is the foundation of their future. Dr. Green leaves quite a lasting impression on others and enriches their lives with his noble deeds.
His philosophy is simply, "Do your best."