Dr. Jason Bailey Settles in as 2026-2027 Sanders Middle School Principal
July 18, 2026
Dr. Jason Bailey officially took on the role of Sanders Middle School (SMS) Principal on July 1, 2026. His transition has been smooth with the support of outgoing SMS Principal Jonathan Schwalbe. Both school leaders have been working together since the district announced the changes in administrative roles.
Dr. Bailey has been part of the Raider Family since 2013. He served as the SMS Assistant Principal from 2013 to 2017. He served as Hickory Tavern School Assistant Principal in 2017-2018. Bailey then became the principal of E.B. Morse Elementary School in 2018. During his years in Laurens County School District 55, Bailey has shown proactive leadership and the capacity to build relationships among community, staff, and students- products of his strong educational background and work experiences.
Prior to joining the Raider Family, Dr. Jason Bailey served as Irmo Middle School Assistant Principal for three years and as Irmo Middle School 7th-Grade Social Studies Teacher for five years. There, he honed his skills in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and had a positive impact on student discipline and attendance.
Dr. Bailey is excited to be back at SMS. His excitement is evident in the transition process before his official role took effect on July 1, 2026. In June 2026, former SMS Principal Jonathan Schwalbe and Dr. Bailey both welcomed Melissa Betsill as a new SMS teacher, together with representatives of the Leo Club. Betsill will be starting the Leo Club at SMS for 2026-2027. Other new initiatives planned for SMS are becoming a Leader in Me School and utilizing the ClassDojo parent and student communication platform.
Dr. Bailey is a great team player and has been planning with his SMS Leadership Team- Melissa McDowell (School Counselor), Danette McClinton (Instructional Coach), and Blair Neaderhiser (Assistant Principal) on which initiatives and changes to implement. One of the first big events the team held was the SMS Administration (Leadership) Team Meet and Greet at Springfield Baptist Church last Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Neaderhiser shared, “I’m so excited to work with Dr. Bailey. We can’t wait to build on the traditions that make our school special while finding new ways to make our school an even better place for our students, staff, and families. Our goal is to create a positive, welcoming environment where every student feels supported and is excited to learn. I know it’s going to be a great year and can’t wait for what’s to come.”
