Floyd Lyles is the Superintendent of the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice School District and is the Deputy Director for Education and Workforce Development Division. A passionate, visionary leader, his experience spans from the classroom to the board room, from direct instruction to district leadership, where his mantra is constant: “Success is our only option – for every student, every day."
Lyles joined the SCDJJ in 2016 as the assistant principal at the Birchwood School. Lyles is committed to provide opportunities for all students, resources for the staff who serve them, and support for all who contribute to the well-being of justice-involved youth.
He holds Masters and Education Specialist degrees from Converse College, and a Bachelor’s degree from Benedict College.
Division of Education & Workforce Development
The Division of Education and Workforce Development is responsible for educational programs operated by DJJ and by contracted private vendors. DJJ operates a fully accredited school district year-round for agency-involved youth. All schools offer English, math, science, and social studies, serving approximately 400 students in grades 4-12 each day. All students in DJJ’s care attend school while detained or incarcerated. DJJ’s school district is led by a superintendent, principal, teachers, and program coordinators. Schools are in session year-round (enabling students to make up absences and close learning gaps) and curricula for core courses are based on the SC Academic Standards for Education. Birchwood School offers full programs of study leading to a high school diploma. DJJ’s school district also offers students CATE courses, extensive special education services, the nation’s first Army JROTC program in a juvenile correctional facility setting, media centers, career development centers, and guidance counselors. Students who are 16 and older and meet specific criteria may prepare for and earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Every student at DJJ is assessed for career interests, abilities, and values and then placed in appropriate academic and/or career and technology classes. DJJ also focuses on fostering workforce development opportunities for youth. The agency's Youth Empowerment Sites (YES) is an employability training program designed for at-risk high school students. The YES program provides job skills training, career exposure and community internship/work experience for participants throughout South Carolina.