New Principals for 2016-17 School Year
Thirteen Greenville County schools will start the school year with new principals.
Andy Laye will serve as interim director at Donaldson Career Center. Mr. Laye has served GCS for 20 years as a teacher at Greer Middle, Greer High, and Bonds Career Center, an assistant principal at Riverside High, and assistant director at Enoree Career Center. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master’s degree from Furman University.
Brana Myers has been appointed director of Enoree Career Center. She has served Greenville County Schools since 1989 as a teacher, ADEPT teacher leader, interim assistant principal, Title I facilitator, and assistant director of J. Harley Bonds Career Center. Mrs. Myers earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Furman University.
Le’Keisha Brown assumes the principalship of Greenbrier Elementary. Ms. Brown previously served as a teacher at Mauldin Middle and Northwood Middle schools, assistant principal at Woodland Elementary, and assistant principal of Ellen Woodside Elementary. She also served Hollis Academy in various capacities. Ms. Brown earned a bachelor’s degree from Benedict College, and master’s and educational specialist degrees from Converse College.
Nicky Andrews has been appointed principal of Greenville Middle Academy. Mrs. Andrews served as assistant principal at Sterling School and principal intern at Greenville Middle Academy before being appointed principal of Greenbrier Elementary in 2008. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University, a master’s degree from Furman University, and an education specialist degree from the University of South Carolina.
Greer High welcomes new principal Justin Ludley. Mr. Ludley previously served as assistant principal of Southside High as well as teacher and coach at Greer High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Presbyterian College and a master’s degree from Furman University.
Mike Parris moves from director of Enoree Career Center to director of J. Harley Bonds Career Center. He served Enoree Career Center for 10 years, and previously served as teacher, coach and assistant career director in Spartanburg County schools. Mr. Parris earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina.
Julie Cooke assumes the leadership role at Lake Forest Elementary. Mrs. Cooke has served Greenville County Schools for 12 years as a teacher at Bell’s Crossing and Bethel Elementary schools. She also served Bethel as administrative assistant before moving to Simpsonville Elementary as assistant principal. Mrs. Cooke earned a bachelor’s degree from USC Upstate and a master’s degree from Clemson University.
Brian Williams joins Greenville County Schools as principal of Monaview Elementary. Mr. Williams previously served as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal in Anderson County schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University and a master’s degree from Anderson University.
Pelham Road Elementary welcomes principal Kristy Qualls. Mrs. Qualls served as teacher and administrative assistant at A.J. Whittenberg Elementary before being named assistant principal at Welcome Elementary. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, a master’s degree from Columbia College, and a second master’s degree from Furman University.
Jeff Jenkins is the new principal of Ralph Chandler Middle School. He previously served as a teacher at Riverside Middle, administrative assistant at Northwest Middle, and assistant principal at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill University and a master’s degree from Clemson University.
Brad Griffith is serving as interim principal of Southside High. Mr. Griffith has served Greenville County Schools as teacher, coach and International Baccalaureate Program Director at Woodmont High, and assistant principal at Woodmont, J.L. Mann, Mauldin, and Southside High schools. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clemson University.
Brett Vaughn is the new principal of Stone Elementary Academy. She formerly taught at Stone and served as instructional coach at Heritage Elementary. She previously served at the Center for Educator Retirement and Advancement (CERRA) and in Spartanburg area schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and master’s and educational leadership degrees from Furman University.
Dr. Mark Adams assumes the principalship of Thomas E. Kerns Elementary. Adams previously served as teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Spartanburg and Laurens Counties. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as a doctorate from the University of South Carolina.