Dr. Michael Cafaro

At-Large Representative
Phone: (843) 314-0683
Email Dr. Michael Cafaro

At-Large Representative

Dr. Michael Cafaro is a professional educator with 42 years of public-school work experience. He graduated in 1976 from UNC-Pembroke with a B.A. degree in history and political science, and in 1984 with a master’s degree from UNCP in educational administration. In 1987, he earned master’s level social studies certification from Campbell University, and, in 2001, he earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He holds South Carolina certificates in the areas of superintendent, elementary principal, secondary principal, elementary supervisor, and secondary supervisor.

Dr. Cafaro began as a classroom teacher at Orrum High School in North Carolina. He taught social studies for 9 years and coached basketball, football, and softball. He was selected as Orrum High School Teacher of the Year in 1983. In 1977, he was selected as a Fulbright-Hays Program to study the culture of Pakistan for six weeks. In 1980, he was selected to study in India for another Fulbright-Hays Program experience for six weeks. In 1982, he once again traveled to Pakistan for another six weeks Fulbright-Hays learning experience. In 1987, Dr. Cafaro was selected to participate in a National Endowment for the Humanities program at the University of Colorado-Boulder entitled, “The Young Republic.”

As a coach, Dr. Cafaro was the conference girls’ basketball Coach of the Year in 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986. He was selected as the 1985 Associated Press North Carolina Coach of the Year for girls’ basketball. He coached the Orrum High School girls’ basketball team in back-to-back state championships in 1984 (29-0) and in 1985 (30-0). In 1986, he coached the Orrum High School boys’ basketball team to the North Carolina state high school championship game as runner-up with a record of 26-1. He also coached the girls’ basketball team to the state championship runner-up in 1983.  His overall 9-year record coaching varsity basketball record was 170 wins and 52 losses.  In order to coach, he was required to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) so he could drive the activity bus to the games.  He maintained his CDL throughout his career. After he stopped coaching, he officiated high school baseball, softball, and basketball from 1988 to 1997 in North Carolina. 

In 1987, he became an assistant principal at West Robeson High School (later renamed Purnell Swett High School). He became assistant principal at Red Springs High School in 1991, and at Scotland High School in 1993. In 1995-96 he was principal at Shaw Middle School. Dr. Cafaro moved on to become the principal at Clinton High School (N.C.) from 1997-2001. In 1998, he was named Principal of the Year. In 1997, he graduated from the Principal’s Executive Program at UNC-Chapel Hill. While he was at Clinton High School, the school received the N.C. Super Safe School Award, and excelled both academically and athletically. Clinton High School achieved Exemplary School status for academics during Dr. Cafaro’s tenure.

In 2001, he became the principal of Georgetown High School where he served from 2001-2011. He established a character education program along with incentive programs in the area of academics. Students who performed well on state and national tests were recognized and honored. Displays were erected for teacher of the year, valedictorian, positive student behavior, and military academy appointments. Also, recognizing students for academic achievements such as perfect scores on BSAP, HSAP, and End of Course tests at school board meetings was Dr. Cafaro’s idea.

Dr. Cafaro has been an adjunct professor at The Citadel and at Coastal Carolina University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. He served on the International Paper Community Advisory Board from 2008-2018.

From 2011-2018, Dr. Cafaro worked at the Georgetown County School District office as Director for Student Services, Social Studies Supervisor, Executive Director for Middle Schools, Maintenance Department Supervisor, and the Montessori Public Charter School district liaison.

In 2018, Dr. Cafaro won a seat on the Georgetown County School District Board of Education. He is a vocal advocate for change and progress. He understands the complexity of a school district and enjoys debating issues and ideas.  Dr. Cafaro has achieved Level 3 by the SCSBA and is close to achieving Level 4.  He has announced his candidacy for the at-large school board seat that will take place on November 8, 2022.

Currently, Dr. Cafaro remains active in schools.  He works a few days a week as a classroom substitute teacher.  He understands first-hand the challenges and complexities that are involved in the teaching and learning process. 

He is married to Karen S. Cafaro, and has two adult sons, Michael, Jr. and Robert.

One of his favorite quotes includes, “All of us are smarter than any one of us.” ― Kenneth H. Blanchard

219 Parish Road
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Home (843) 314-0683
Cell (843) 318-8352

[email protected]

Term expires November 2022