Gooding named next principal of Pelion High School starting July 2026

The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of Kenneth Tracy Gooding as the new principal of Pelion High School at the board’s June 10, 2026 meeting. Mr. Gooding, who has served as an assistant principal at PHS since 2014, begins his new position in July.

With more than 25 years of experience in education, Mr. Gooding is a passionate educator and administrator, who works to create a supportive school culture, focused on student achievement, college and career readiness, and continuous improvement. During his 12 years in administration at PHS, he has served as a community builder overseeing a wide range of responsibilities, including school operations, testing, staff support, school safety, graduation, senior recognition, strategic scheduling and communication with families.

“Tracy Gooding is a respected leader who knows Pelion High School, its students and its community well,” said Dr. Keith Price, superintendent of Lexington County School District One. “He has spent years helping shape the school’s culture, supporting teachers and building strong relationships with families. His student-centered approach, commitment to continuous improvement and deep investment in Pelion make him the right person to lead the school forward.”

Before becoming an assistant principal at Pelion High, Gooding served as a physical education teacher and coach at Gilbert High School, Lexington High School and Barnwell High School. He also served as an assistant football coach at Newberry College.

Gooding earned a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sports management and teacher certification in physical education from Newberry College. He is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators and is a South Carolina Department of Education Foundations of Leadership graduate.