AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES DR. SALVATORE MINOLFO AS NEW CHIEF OFFICER OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATION

Aiken County Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Salvatore Minolfo as the district’s new Chief Officer of Human Resources and Administration. The School Board approved administration’s recommendation for Minolfo’s appointment at their regularly scheduled meeting on May 13, 2025. A veteran educator and seasoned administrator, Dr. Minolfo brings more than three decades of experience in public education, leadership development, and personnel management to his new role.

Minolfo served the district most recently as Director of Administration for the district. During the last five years in his role as Administration Director, he initiated career pathway and leadership development programs for all employees, ensured implementation of the district’s Strategic Plan, supported schools with their Renewal Plans, assisted School Improvement Councils, reviewed and proposed updates to Board Policies, completed staffing and enrollment projections, managed transfer requests, and served as an investigator in employee matters as well as a liaison to legal counsel.

As Director of Administration, Minolfo worked closely with the district’s former Chief Officer of Human Resources and Administration Jennifer Hart who left the role this summer to pursue work as an independent consultant. “I saw how she led with heart and a passion for improving the experience of every employee,” he stated. “I pursued this opportunity because I believed I could continue that work and grow the impact this division has on the district. While I bring my own vision to the role, her leadership has shaped mine, and I am committed to working with our outstanding team to provide meaningful support and, ultimately, improve outcomes for all students.”

Minolfo began his career as a classroom teacher in 1994 at Leavelle McCampbell Middle School. Throughout his career in school administration, he has served as an Assistant Principal, Special Programs Director, Principal, and graduate school instructor. Minolfo earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of South Carolina (USC) in 2010. He also received an Educational Specialist (2003) and Master’s degree (1998) from USC, both in Educational Leadership. He holds multiple certifications and endorsements from the South Carolina Department of Education and national leadership programs, including the state’s Developing Aspiring Principals and Principal Induction, as well as the National Association of Elementary School Principals’ Principal Mentorship Program and Learning Forward’s Instructional Coaches endorsement. He was recognized as Aiken County’s Principal of the Year for the 2019–2020 school year and has received back-to-back nominations (2023-2024 and 2024-2025) for District Level Administrator of the Year. He is involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of School Personnel Administrators, the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, and the South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators, and enjoys sharing his knowledge and unique experiences through presentations and workshops within the district, and at conferences throughout the region and beyond.

Reflecting on his long tenure with Aiken County Public Schools, Minolfo emphasized that each position has reinforced his belief that “people are the priority.” He noted, “I have learned the value of high-quality instruction, problem-solving, and creating collaborative experiences. Leadership is truly about serving. Success in each role I’ve had was possible because I focused on building effective systems and strong relationships. I believe the core of who I am is helping each person develop their capacity to be their best, so we can do great things together.”

Deep roots in the community have shaped both his professional path and personal identity. Minolfo shared that his family’s story began with his father’s immigration from Sicily in the mid-1960s. His parents met on a blind date, eventually settled in Aiken. He attended Jackson Elementary, Jackson Middle, and Silver Bluff High School, and received his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken (1994). Thirty of his 31 years in education have been in service to our district.

“I love this district and have never forgotten the investment so many people have made in me throughout my life,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud to continue contributing to its success.”

As he steps in to his new responsibilities, Minolfo is most excited about the opportunity to uplift every employee. “I want each person to realize their value and worth in educating students,” he shared. “Every staff member, no matter their job title, plays a crucial role in helping students reach their potential as future leaders. By focusing on the needs of our employees, students, and community, we can accomplish great outcomes and make Aiken County Public Schools an even better place to learn and work.”