Pickens school leader named SC Elementary Principal of the Year
December 4, 2019
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named Mrs. Jessica Patterson the 2020 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year. Mrs. Patterson is the principal of Chastain Road Elementary School in the School District of Pickens County.
“We are pleased to announce that Jessica Patterson has been named the SCASA Elementary Principal of the Year,” said Beth Phibbs, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. “She is a visionary leader whose dedication to the students, teachers, and community creates a positive climate and culture for students to succeed.”
Superintendent of the School District of Pickens County, Dr. Danny Merck added, “Mrs. Patterson has truly been a transformative principal at Chastain Road. She has led the charge to bring 3K and Montessori classes to her community, and she has been a steady influence as we begin to transition our Liberty area schools to a primary and intermediate school model. In the midst of changes, she has guided her Title 1 school to an ‘Excellent’ report card rating and a Palmetto Silver Award. Her leadership has made a lasting impact on the Liberty community!”
Mrs. Patterson was selected from an outstanding field of administrator candidates by a veteran panel of judges. The other finalist for 2020 SC Elementary Principal of the Year was Linda Norton, principal of Watkins-Nance Elementary School in Richland School District One. The criteria used in the selection of this award are set by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. The state sponsors are Horace Mann and Herff Jones.
SCASA, the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, has more than 4,400 members. From professional development opportunities and research, to publications and legislative advocacy, SCASA’s focus is to support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina’s young people. As a state affiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA also works on the national level.
