On May 14, 2024, Rock Hill Schools’ Board of Trustees approved the following administrative changes for the 2024-25 school year as recommended by district leadership. We look forward to welcoming the following individuals to Rock Hill Schools.
Sunset Park announces Matthew English as Assistant Principal & Principal in Residence for the upcoming school year. English is currently assistant principal at York Road Elementary. He joined York Road Elementary in 2022 from California where he served as a principal at a K-8 school for five years. Prior to that he served as an elementary principal for four years and vice principal for two years. He also has classroom experience as he spent nine years as an elementary teacher.
He earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from California State University, Sacramento. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego.
As we move toward breaking ground on the new Sunset Park Elementary, English will serve as the building administrator overseeing day-to-day operations of the existing school as Principal in Residence during the 2025-2026 school year while Dr. Nakia Barnes oversees the final phase in the construction of the new building project for Sunset Park. We are thrilled to see Dr. Barnes welcome the Sunset Park Family into their new home in the Fall of 2026.
Independence Elementary announces Emily Hyatt as assistant principal for the 2024-25 school year.
Hyatt is currently serving IDES families as the Dean of Student Leadership and coordinating the school’s efforts around the Leader in Me. Hyatt also has six years of experience as an elementary teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Lander University and a Master of Education in Education Leadership from the University of South Carolina.
Old Pointe Elementary announces Karen Reid as assistant principal for the 2024-25 school year.
She is joining Rock Hill Schools from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools where she has served as an assistant principal for six years. She has 30 years of educational experience in elementary schools where she has worked as a teacher, instructional facilitator, administrator and dean of students.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from South Carolina State University and a Master of Education degree from Winthrop University. She also holds an Education Specialist degree from Cambridge College.
York Road Elementary announces Brandon Sanders as assistant principal for the upcoming school year.
Sanders joins York Road from Northwestern High School where he is currently serving as the Associate Director of Bands. His previous experience includes service as an assistant principal in Indian Land and 13 years of teaching experience.
He also has served on our district’s Arts Strategic Plan Committee and led professional learning efforts in previous districts. He was named Fort Mill Schools Teacher of the Year in 2019 and Chesterfield-Ruby Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2014.
He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Winthrop University, a Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University and a Master of the Arts in School Administration from Gardner Webb University. He also earned an endorsement in Gifted and Talented Teaching.
Saluda Trail Middle School announces Dr. Alfred Williams as assistant principal for the 2024-25 school year.
Dr. Williams is currently serving Saluda Trail families as a Dean of Student Leadership. He has worked in the field of education for more than 28 years. He began his career as a science teacher and coach in 1997. Over the course of his career, he has served in numerous roles as an educational professional.
Dr. Williams received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Winthrop University. He subsequently earned his Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctorate degrees from the University of South Carolina
Join us in welcoming them to their new roles within Rock Hill Schools.
Rock Hill Schools Announces Administrative Placements
The following administrators will serve in different leadership capacities for the 2024-2025 school year at the direction of the Superintendent.
Jaime Cochrane will serve as the assistant principal at India Hook Elementary. She is currently the assistant principal at Ebenezer Avenue Elementary.
Katelyn Eagle will serve as an assistant principal at Saluda Trail Middle School. She is currently the assistant principal at Richmond Drive Elementary.
Daniel Fielder will serve as the assistant principal at Ebenezer Avenue Elementary. He is currently the assistant principal at India Hook Elementary.
Kenneth Gaither will serve as Interim Director of Adult Education. He is currently an assistant principal at Castle Heights Middle School.
Artarshia Lyons will serve as an assistant principal at Dutchman Creek Middle School. She is currently an assistant principal at Sullivan Middle School.
Beau Modla will serve as an assistant principal at Sullivan Middle School. He is currently an assistant principal at Dutchman Creek Middle School.
Chip Newton will serve as an assistant principal at Castle Heights Middle School. He is currently an assistant principal at Saluda Trail Middle School.
Kimenya Ramet will serve as the assistant principal at Richmond Drive Elementary. She is currently the assistant principal at Lesslie Elementary.
