District Five names new chief human resources officer

IRMO, SC – Lexington-Richland School District Five has named Dr. Allison Jacques as its next chief human resources officer.

Jacques is currently serving as an assistant dean for the University of South Carolina’s College of Education, where she is also an adjunct professor. Prior to joining the university, Jacques served as the director of the Office of Educator Certification, Recruitment and Preparation at the South Carolina Department of Education. In that capacity, she oversaw several human resources responsibilities; including oversight of educator preparation programs, the teacher credentialing system, teacher quality initiatives, and educator recruitment and retention.

She replaces former District Five Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Angela Bain, who left the district earlier this year to become a deputy superintendent at the South Carolina Department of Education.

Jacques said, “I am excited about this opportunity to join District Five’s dynamic leadership team in supporting the needs of teachers, administrators and support staff, while creating the best possible environment for students and families.”

Jacques began her career in education as a teacher and has had numerous jobs of increasing scope and responsibility. She was the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction at both Irmo Middle School and CrossRoads Middle schools early in her career. She also served as the principal of Brookland-Cayce High School from 2001 to 2005 and was named the South Carolina Secondary School Principal of the Year in 2005. Jacques received a master’s in educational administration and a doctorate of philosophy in educational administration from the University of South Carolina.

An Irmo High School graduate, Jacques is a resident of District Five and has two children who attend District Five schools. She is active in the district, serving on a School Improvement Council and as a member of the District Five Foundation.

District Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said, “We are very excited that Dr. Jacques is joining the District Five team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this important position. We look forward to her service to the district as we continue our legacy of excellence.”