A familiar face will soon lead Spartanburg District Five School’s award-winning fine arts program. District Five is proud to announce that Kaci Cotter has been selected as the district’s new Director of Fine Arts, continuing a long-standing tradition of excellence in fine arts instruction and leadership. A graduate of District Five and proud former member of the Rebel Regiment Marching Band, Cotter brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal connection to the role. “As a District Five kid, it’s an enormous honor to serve in this role in the place I call home,” Cotter says.
From the classroom to administration, Cotter has served students in multiple capacities across District Five, most recently as Assistant Principal at Abner Creek Academy. Prior to that, she briefly served as the Assistant Director of the Fine Arts Center in Greenville County Schools. Like so many, Cotter got her start in the classroom, serving as the band director at D.R. Hill Middle School, here in District Five, from 2008-2019.
“From the time they enter kindergarten until they graduate, I want every student in District Five to have a real chance to experience a full, well-rounded arts education. We already have so many wonderful opportunities available to our students now, and I can’t wait to continue that tradition, and watch those programs grow.”
Cotter earned her Bachelors in Music Education and Horn Performance from the University of South Carolina, and holds a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Converse University.
District Five Superintendent Dr. Randall Gary says Cotter’s background in both arts and leadership gives her a unique perspective to support the district’s thriving arts programs. “Not only does Kaci Cotter bring an exceptional professional background to this role, but she also has a heartfelt understanding of the value of the arts in our schools,” says Dr. Gary. “Her leadership will ensure that our students continue to thrive through a high-quality, well-rounded arts education.”
Cotter will assume her new role immediately. She takes over for Matthew Wofford, who was recently selected as District Five’s new Coordinator of Teacher Quality and Training.