Big Changes for Beaufort County Schools – Four New Principals Appointed

Beaufort County School District is bringing in four veteran administrators as head honchos for the new school year. This exciting announcement was made by superintendent, Frank Rodriguez, who highlighted their experience in nurturing academic achievement and school culture. The said changes will start rolling out from 7th of August, marking the beginning of the new school year.

Meet the New Principals

Jamie Allen, after an impressive 18-year stint with the Beaufort County School District, will step in as the new principal at Broad River Elementary School. Her journey started in the same school as a third-grade teacher and has seen her play multiple roles like literacy interventionist, TAP mentor/master teacher, and as assistant principal. Allen, a former army veteran, is also an alumnus of University of South Carolina Beaufort and holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Lesley University.

Brantley Wilson, the new principal at Whale Branch Middle School, has had a varied experience starting from Beaufort Jasper Academy for Career Excellence to assistant principal roles at Hilton Head Island Middle School and Lady’s Island Middle School. Apart from holding a master’s degree in educational leadership, Wilson has also been involved in volunteer work, serving as rescue diver/swimmer for Beaufort Water Search and Rescue.

Sonji Leach, now the ringleader at Whale Branch Early College High School, carries a rich administration experience having served as principal and interim principal roles at schools in Georgia and Columbia. Leach also holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University in Atlanta.

Keith Stewart, former assistant principal at Bluffton Middle School, will now take over as the principal, starting his journey as a physical education teacher at Manning High School. In addition to his teachings roles, Stewart holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina.

Selection Process

The selection procedure for appointing new leaders involved multiple interview committees made up of teacher leaders, principals, members from School Improvement Council, the Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources representative, an Executive Director, and a member from the district’s Instructional Services. Even student leaders had a say in the appointment of the high school principal. Post-interviews, every committee member rated each candidate and then these ratings were submitted to the superintendent who made the final recommendations.

Everyone’s excited to see what these experienced and talented individuals will bring to the schools in the new academic year. To all the students, parents and teachers of Beaufort County School District – get ready for change as these amazing educators come in to lead and guide. Here’s to a successful 2022-2023 school year!