YORK — The superintendent shake-up across York County is now over as the York School District became the third local district to name a new top administrator this week.

School board members announced Heath Branham as the district's new superintendent during a special meeting May 22.

Branham is principal at Centerville Elementary School in Gilbert, west of Columbia. He has previously held leadership roles with Hobsons-Naviance Advantage, Wake Forest Advantage and EdisonLearning.

"I am elated to be part of the York One family," Branham told the board after the decision was made. "I'm excited to be able to learn and lead beside you through the years ahead, all for students."

The board unanimously approved Branham by a 5-0 vote. Wade Anderson and Thomas Wilkerson were not at the meeting. Branham was given a three-year contract paying him a $200,000 salary.

He will replace outgoing Superintendent Kelly Coxe, who is retiring after six years leading the district. She announced her plans to step aside in February.

The board narrowed its search to three finalists earlier this month: Branham, Shane Goodwin and Rodney Graves.

The candidates were in York on May 13 to tour schools and meet staff, followed by a community meeting that evening with parents and students.

"We had a strong pool of 31 candidates and excellent three finalists," Board Chair Scott Childers said following the vote. "We feel that Dr. Branham is a great fit to move the district forward."

The hiring caps a busy week for three of the four York County school districts.

The Rock Hill School District announced Deborah Elder as its next superintendent on May 20. Elder is the deputy director and chief operating officer of the Iowa State Department of Education. Her hiring is expected to be approved by the board next week.

Earlier in the day on May 22, Fort Mill Schools named Grey Young as the district's new superintendent . Young is the current assistant superintendent for student services and administration in Fort Mill.

Former Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Tommy Schmolze retired earlier this year, then Fort Mill Schools Superintendent Chuck Epps announced he'd retire at school years end.

Clover Schools Superintendent Sheila Quinn is the only holdover among the county's top school administrators. She has held the job since July 2018 and is under contract until 2027.