Dennis Thompson, Jr. 

Term: November 2024 - December 2026

Dennis Thompson, Jr. is the son of the late Clara Johnson Thompson and the late Dennis Thompson, Sr. He is a former resident of Lake View, SC. and is a high school graduate of Columbus High School in Lake View. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Claflin University and a Master’s in Education from South Carolina State University. He furthered his education at The University of South Carolina receiving his Education Specialist Degree. Dennis is married to the former Lois A Williams and is the proud father of four daughters and one daughter in love. He is the grandfather of six plus three and the great grandfather of one. He is a member of The Church of God Varnville where he serves as deacon, Chairman of the Trustee Board, and Sunday School Superintendent.

After graduating from Claflin, he began working for a non-profit organization, The Committee for The Betterment of Poor People. There he served as the director where they tutored elementary students in the afternoon in academics and provided opportunities for enrichment. In August 1972 he began his teaching career at The Gifford Luray School. He taught 4th grade Science, Health, and Physical Ed for three years and was later promoted to head teacher. He became the principal of Estill Middle School on Columbus Day in 1977. He stayed at the middle school until June 30, 1984. He then became the Director of Federal Programs in Hampton County School District 2 on July 2, 1984. From there he progressed to the position of Assistant Superintendent on July 1, 1992, and served in that position until he accepted the position of Superintendent on July 1, 1999. After his retirement from Hampton County School District, he worked for the State Department of Education in South Carolina as a consultant to middle school administrators in Jasper County. He served on the State Board of Education for four years to include one year as Chairman until 2013. He was and still is an educator and an advocate for education and community betterment.