Laurens County School District 55 School Board Approves 2024-25 District and School Administrators
July 1, 2024
Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) School Board held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on June 24, 2024. The LCSD 55 School Board approved hiring a new assistant principal for Gray Court-Owings School, the promotion of Dr. Carlos Littlejohn as LCSD 55 Director of Student Services, and Dr. Rhett Harris as the LCSD 55 Assistant Superintendent.
Molly Raines
Molly Rains will serve as an assistant principal at Gray Court-Owings School. Molly earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education: History from Clemson University in 2013. She also earned a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Southern Wesleyan University. Molly is a certified South Carolina Teacher Mentor and certified in Read to Succeed. She served Anderson School District 1 for eleven years. She was the 2016-17 Wren High School Teacher of the Year and was a 2016-17 Anderson School District 1 Teacher of the Year Finalist. Among her vast experience in administration and supervision are correct implementation of Professional Learning Communities, serving as a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support/ Response to Intervention (MTSS/RTI) Coordinator, and participating in disciplinary work in collaboration with School Resource Officers and a local police department. She also served as a Social Studies Department Chair at Wren High School. She developed curriculum and lesson plans aligned with state, national, and College Board standards. Molly is also a published author and professional learning speaker.
Molly Rains said, “I am honored with this wonderful opportunity to join Gray Court-Owings School. I strongly believe that education is a tool to help all students reach their full potential and have a positive influence on the future of our world. It is a privilege to work with the young people of Laurens 55, and I am committed to the values and furthering the goals of Gray Court-Owings School.”
Dr. Carlos Littlejohn
Dr. Carlos Littlejohn will serve as Director of Pupil Services beginning the academic year 2024-25. His duties include overseeing attendance/truancy, discipline, expulsion hearings, and mental health services. He will directly support LCSD 55 mental health counselors, nurses, and guidance counselors. Dr. Littlejohn served as Laurens Elementary School (LES) Principal from 2021-2024. As the principal, he led the instruction and operations at LES. Carlos has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Winthrop University. He holds a Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of North Carolina. He received his Education Specialist Degree in School Leadership from Furman University and his Doctor of Education in K-12 Leadership from North Greenville University. Dr. Littlejohn is also an Adjunct Professor at Lander University. Data analysis, technology advancement, fiscal management, instructional leadership, systemic improvement, strategic planning, personnel management, and conflict resolution are his areas of expertise.
Dr. Littlejohn is thrilled with his new role in LCSD 55. He said, “Excited and grateful, I consider the opportunity to serve as the Director of Student Services for Laurens County School District 55 an honor and a privilege. I’m committed to ensuring current and future students have boundless opportunities to explore their interests, maximize their academic potential, and find their true passions. Building strong relationships and fostering a sense of trust is important to me. I firmly recognize that community engagement is integral to the district’s success. I’m extremely committed to actively engaging the community, receiving its insights and concerns, and ensuring voices are heard and valued. I’m genuinely excited about the journey ahead and dedicated to cultivating collaboration and open communication where everyone feels heard, understood, and motivated!”
Dr. Rhett Harris
Dr. Rhett Harris will serve as the LCSD 55 Assistant Superintendent beginning the 2024-25 school year. He will oversee district operations, procurement, transportation, security, safety, and School Resource Officers. Dr. Harris served as the LCSD 55 Director of Secondary Education and Operations. He began serving as LCSD 55 Director of Secondary Education in 2020 and as LCSD 55 Director of Operations in 2017. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Francis Marion College in 1985, then his Master of Education from the University of South Carolina in 1995. In 2003, he received his Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University. He is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). He is in his 39th year in education and has a rich background as a teacher, coach, building administrator, and district administrator. He is well-versed in communications, problem resolution, program implementation, and cultivating professional relationships.
Dr. Harris expresses his gratitude for LCSD 55. He said, “I would like to publicly thank the Board and Dr. Penland for showing confidence in me by naming me Assistant Superintendent. I look forward to working under the leadership of Dr. Penland and contributing to the efforts that will be made on behalf of students, staff, and the Laurens 55 community. I am confident that great things are in store for our district.”
