Beaufort County School District Announces Four New Principals for Upcoming School Year
Big changes are happening! The Beaufort County School District has recently spilled the beans about four new principals who are going to run the show in their schools in the upcoming school year! The four are expected to take charge of their new roles when the school year starts on August 7. These folks have already shown their mettle in administrative roles, and now will be stepping up to do their thing as school leaders.
School District Superintendent Frank Rodriguez spearheaded this transition, saying these individuals were chosen because of their experience and understanding of the importance of academia and student success. He’s pretty stoked to see how these educators do in their new gigs.
Meet Our New Principals
Jamie Allen – Broad River Elementary School
Jamie Allen, who used to run Whale Branch Middle School, is now taking the helm of Broad River Elementary School. Allen has devoted 18 years of service to the Beaufort County School District. She started her Beaufort journey as a third-grade teacher at Broad River Elementary way back in 2006, stepping up to roles like a literacy interventionist and assistant principal over the years. Moreover, she is an alum of the University of South Carolina Beaufort and earned a master’s degree from Lesley University for curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on literacy, and an education specialist degree from Capella University in educational leadership.
Brantley Wilson – Whale Branch Middle School
Brantley Wilson is the new head honcho at Whale Branch Middle School. He started his career in the Beaufort Jasper Academy and worked in several roles there. He’s also assisted as principal at Hilton Head Island Middle School and Lady’s Island Middle School. His educational background? He graduated from USCB and bagged a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education. Fun fact, he also served as a volunteer diver/swimmer for Beaufort Water Search and Rescue.
Sonji Leach – Whale Branch Early College High School
Previously the assistant principal at Beaufort High School, Sonji Leach is set to lead Whale Branch Early College High School into its new academic year. Her experience includes principal roles at various schools in Georgia and interim principal roles at other institutions. She also holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Argosy University, an educational specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University, and a master’s degree from Georgia Southern University.
Keith Stewart – Bluffton Middle School
Last but not least, Keith Stewart has been promoted from assistant principal to the big boss at Bluffton Middle School. Starting his educational career as a physical education teacher at Manning High School, he’s held assistant principal roles at various schools. Further, he’s an alum of the University of South Carolina and holds a master’s degree in educational administration.
Selection Process
The district took their time to ensure the best individuals were selected for these roles. They set up interview committees, consisting of various individuals like teacher leaders, representatives of the Human Resources and Instructional Services divisions, and even student leaders. Each candidate was thoroughly reviewed before the final decision was handed over to Superintendent Rodriguez.
With exciting changes around the corner, the focus now shifts to the new academic year starting on August 7. Here’s to the new principals bringing fresh ideas and leadership styles to their schools!
