Richland District Two announces the appointment of two new principals

Richland School District Two announced the appointment of two new school leaders. Terence T. Isaac will become principal of Polo Road Elementary effective Oct. 1. 2024. Patrina T. Smith has been appointed principal-elect of Jackson Creek Elementary School. Effective July 1, 2025, Smith will assume the role of principal.

Terence T. Isaac brings a wealth of experience in education to his new role. He has served as assistant principal since 2020, currently serving at Lake Carolina Upper Campus and previously at Sandlapper Elementary, where he has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to fostering academic excellence.

Terence T. Isaac

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Isaac as the new Principal of Polo Road Elementary,” said Superintendent Dr. Kim Dr. Moore. “His proven track record in curriculum development, teacher support, and creating positive learning environments makes him an ideal choice to lead our school community.”

Isaac’s career in education spans over a decade, beginning as a teaching assistant at Polo Road. He later served as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher at Polo Road from 2012 to 2020. His experience also includes a position as Program Director and Campus Director at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands (in Richland Two schools) from 2007 to 2015.

Throughout his career, Mr. Isaac has distinguished himself through his commitment to educational excellence. He has facilitated professional development opportunities to promote academic achievement, developed and maintained school safety procedures, and implemented positive classroom management strategies. Isaac is known for his ability to foster positive relationships with students and staff, promoting a culture of excellence in every educational setting he has served.

Isaac holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina. This strong educational background, combined with his extensive practical experience, positions him well to lead Polo Road Elementary into its next chapter of growth and achievement.

“I am honored to join the Polo Road Elementary community as principal and excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the exceptional teachers, staff, students, and families that make up this vibrant community,” Isaac said. “My focus is on ensuring that every student is equipped with the tools they need to succeed both in and outside of the classroom. I look forward to building upon the school’s successes and creating even more opportunities for growth and achievement.”

Isaac is married to Jennifer Isaac, a Richland Two teacher.  He enjoys spending time with family, vacationing, and hiking.

Patrina Smith brings over two decades of educational experience to her new role, including more than 10 years in school administration. In her previous role as assistant principal at Jackson Creek Elementary, Smith has played a crucial role in implementing curriculum, supporting teachers, and fostering a positive learning environment.

Patrina Smith

“We are thrilled to have Patrina Smith step into the role of principal-elect at Jackson Creek Elementary,” said Superintendent Dr. Kim D. Moore. “Her dedication to education, proven leadership skills, and deep understanding of our school community make her the ideal candidate to build upon the excellent foundation laid by Dr. Mosso-Taylor. She will assume the role of principal upon Mosso-Taylor’s retirement at the end of the fiscal year.”

Smith’s educational background includes an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Administration from South Carolina State University, a Master of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University. She holds certifications in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Principal (Tier 1), and Superintendent from the South Carolina Department of Education.

Throughout her career, Smith has demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence and innovation. She has been recognized as Teacher of the Year at North Springs Elementary School (2008-09) and is a graduate of Richland Two’s Assistant Principal’s Academy (2021). Her experience includes roles as an athletic director, chair of various school committees, and founder of mentoring programs.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Principal at Jackson Creek Elementary,” said Smith. “I look forward to working closely with our talented staff, dedicated parents, and wonderful students to continue building on our school’s tradition of community engagement and educating the whole child to ensure that we meet our students’ needs academically, socially and emotionally.”

When she is not involved in professional activities, Smith enjoys watching crime shows, shopping, trying different foods and listening to live music!