Rhodes Named SC Elementary Principal of the Year
Taylors Elementary Principal Honored by SCASA
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named Rhonda Rhodes of Taylors Elementary School the 2019 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year. Rhodes is in her fifth year serving as Principal at Taylors. She previously served as Principal at Wren Elementary in Anderson County and Principal at Ravenel Elementary in Oconee County. Rhodes is a graduate of Clemson University.
Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators says Rhodes is "a distinguished leader whose dedication to the students, teachers, and community creates a climate and culture for students to succeed.”
Superintendent Burke Royster says “Rhonda has done an outstanding job at Taylors Elementary. In addition to building a culture of trust, collaboration, and warmth, her students’ academic performance continues to improve. Rhonda’s focus on meeting each student’s individual needs epitomizes the idea of a student-centered focus.”
Rhodes was surprised with an assembly in the school cafeteria. On stage she said, “Dr. Royster is probably wondering how all of this could have happened at my school without me knowing about it.” Rhodes went on to say that the award is not just about her successes but is a testament to faculty, students and parents at Taylors Elementary who are committed to excellence.
The criteria used in the selection of this award are set by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Winning Principals:
- Contribute to the well-being of the educational community.
- Contribute to a positive and motivating environment for others.
- Have a strong record of service (in both school and community) and be recognized as a leader
- Exhibit exceptional leadership in a particular school program and/or is heavily involved in finding a solution to a problem faced by the school.
Winners lead a school that:
- Is clearly committed to excellence
- Has programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students
- Has firm ties to parents and the community.
