Scipio chosen to lead brand new School of Innovation in Healthcare

The brand new Florence 1 School of Innovation in Healthcare officially has an Executive Director: Nichole Scipio, a long-time West Florence High School teacher. Scipio was approved Thursday night by the Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees.

Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Richard O’Malley said that Scipio was the obvious choice to lead The School of Innovation in Healthcare due, in part, to her ability to create dynamic relationships with the local medical community.

“Mrs. Scipio is an exceptional educator,” O’Malley said. “She has been a vital part of the growth of the biomedical program at West Florence. Her expertise along with her passion for students and the medical field will allow the district and our medical partners to start this important program on a strong foundation.”

With her background in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes, Scipio had an immediate interest when the School of Innovation was announced. She said that she is excited to lead this brand-new program. 

“I believe that this is such a great opportunity for our students and our community,” Scipio said. “It is an honor to know that I will be the person in charge of maintaining this historic building and ensuring that all of the things that occur in the building bring value to the community, the school district, and our medical partners.” 

A Biology and PLTW Biomedical Instructor at West Florence since 2012, Scipio has helped cultivate relationships with McLeod Health, MUSC Health, and HopeHealth to provide hands-on learning opportunities for her students. The School of Innovation curriculum will be driven by these three medical partners as they identify and address the most vital needs within the healthcare industry through instruction. 

“Relationships are key to anything you do, the key to being successful,” Scipio said. “Our students will benefit so much from the expertise of all of the community health partners that are part of the School of Innovation. Each of them brings something unique to the program.” 

Scipio holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instructional Technology from Coker University and a Master of Arts in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University. 

Scipio said that while it is bittersweet to leave the classroom, she is looking forward to the opportunity to reach more students across the district.

“My vision as an educator is for every kid to leave high school with a plan,” Scipio said. “Whether that be a certification, an associate degree, a four-year degree or going to work for a family-owned company; I think if they have spent twelve years with us, we should help them come up with a plan. The School of Innovation will help so many kids in our community. It will give them hope and something to look forward to.”

Though the School of Innovation is for high school students, Scipio said she is already thinking of ways to help younger students establish their interest in pursuing healthcare careers.

“My goal is to reach into middle schools to start to develop that interest early for students,” Scipio said. “The data says the sooner you reach students, the more interested they become. Workforce data also shows there is a significant need for healthcare workers. We are meeting those needs with this program, not just here in Florence but across the country.”

Scipio will begin a transition period on July 1st, teaching two classes at West Florence for the fall semester while spending her open periods planning for the School of Innovation. The School of Innovation is expected to open in January 2026.