District Five Names New Chapin Elementary School Principal
June 30, 2014
IRMO, SC – Lexington-Richland School District Five has named a new principal for Chapin Elementary School. Lauren Prochak, who serves as the school’s assistant principal, will take the lead role at the start of the 2014-2015 school year. She replaces Harriet Wilson, who will be the principal of Seven Oaks Elementary School.
“She’s the perfect person for the job,” said Wilson, who hired Prochak to serve on her administrative team in 2011. “She’s worked as both an administrative assistant principal and has served as assistant principal at Chapin Elementary. She knows the vision for the school and where it’s heading, and she has the skills to continue the school’s tradition of excellence.”
Prochak started her career in education as a third grade teacher at Lake Murray Elementary in Lexington School District 1. She became an administrative assistant principal at Chapin Elementary in 2011 and later became assistant principal, serving as a data team trainer and leading curriculum and professional development. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Converse College, obtained a master’s degree in divergent learning from Columbia College and gained a certification in administration from the University of Cumberlands.
Prochak has received several awards and accolades, including Converse College’s Josephine Prall Award for Excellence in Deaf Education. A Chapin resident, Prochak is married and has two children, including one who will begin kindergarten in District Five this upcoming school year.
“I am excited to continue serving Chapin Elementary, the Chapin community and our district in this new capacity. Our students, parents and staff provide a strong support for excellence in education. I couldn’t be more honored or excited to lead the school into its bright future,” Prochak said.
District Five Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said, “Ms. Prochak is a proven leader with strong roots in the Chapin community. I am confident she will continue the legacy of excellence at Chapin Elementary.
She joins a team of world-class principals in District Five, and her selection is a continuation of our commitment to put the best and brightest in our schools to lead our staff and students. We look forward to having her in this new and important role.”
