GCSD announces school leadership changes, staffing adjustments for 2026–2027
May 2, 2026
Georgetown County School District (GCSD) has announced school leadership updates and strategic staffing adjustments as part of its planning for the 2026–2027 school year, driven by projected enrollment shifts and budget considerations.
Dr. David Hammel will continue in his role as Principal of Waccamaw High School for the 2026–2027 school year. Serving this year as Interim Principal, Dr. Hammel has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting students, staff, and the school community.
At Rosemary Middle School, Mr. Earnest Houston, Principal, will transition from his role at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. Mr. Houston will serve in a school-based administrative support role for GCSD for the 2026–2027 school year.
Similarly, at Andrews High School, Dr. Toshawnka Mahone, Principal, will transition from her role at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. Dr. Mahone will continue to support students and families through GCSD’s Accountability & Assessment Department.
The process to identify the next principals for both schools will include stakeholder engagement opportunities, community and staff meetings, and a comprehensive review of qualified candidates. An Andrews Community Input Session will be held on May 7, 2026, from 5:50–6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Rosemary Middle School. Additional information regarding the selection process and timelines will be shared in the coming weeks.
As part of this broader planning process, the District is also making strategic staffing adjustments to align resources with projected enrollment and budget considerations.
“These decisions are never made lightly,” said Superintendent Dr. Bethany A. Giles. “Each step in this process is guided by data, fiscal responsibility, and our commitment to maintaining strong support systems for our students and staff.”
The adjustments come as the District anticipates a potential shift in student enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year. Changes in enrollment directly impact state funding allocations, requiring districts to periodically evaluate and realign staffing models. Like many school districts across South Carolina, GCSD must regularly adjust staffing to reflect enrollment trends and funding levels.
As part of this process, GCSD is also reviewing its staffing framework to ensure resources are distributed effectively across schools. The goal is to maintain equitable support for students while operating within projected funding levels. District administration emphasized that efforts were made to minimize the impact on employees by utilizing attrition and reassignments whenever possible.
“We recognize these changes impact members of our #TeamGCSD family,” Dr. Giles added. “Our focus remains on supporting our employees while ensuring high-quality educational experiences for all students.”
The District continues to develop its FY 2026–2027 budget, which will be presented to the Georgetown County Board of Trustees for final approval in June.
GCSD remains committed to strong school leadership and responsible resource management in support of Academics, Accountability, Achievement, the Arts, and Athletics.
