Spartanburg school leader named SC Elementary Principal of the Year

The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named Dr. Marquice Clark the 2025 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year. Dr. Clark is principal of The Cleveland Academy of Leadership in Spartanburg School District Seven.

“We are excited to announce that Dr. Marquice Clark has been named the SCASA Elementary Principal of the Year,” said Dr. Quincie Moore, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. “Dr. Clark has truly revolutionized The Cleveland Academy of Leadership. By reducing discipline referrals and dramatically improving academic proficiency—raising proficiency in ELA from 20% to 52%, math from 13% to 58%, and science from 7% to 55%—he has demonstrated that transformative leadership can yield significant results. Under Dr. Clark’s leadership, Cleveland Academy earned their first-ever “Excellent” SC School Report Card rating since the creation of the school in 1999, with sustained success garnering a back-to-back “Excellent” rating this year. His holistic approach, focusing on whole-child initiatives, community engagement, and data-driven strategies, has not just improved test scores, but fundamentally changed the trajectory of his students’ lives.”

Superintendent of Spartanburg School District Seven, Mr. Jeff Stevens added, “Dr. Clark is an exemplary leader for the Cleveland Academy. His deep understanding of our children’s needs drives his commitment to providing each one with the individualized support they deserve. Where others may see challenges, Dr. Clark sees possibilities; and his innovative approach ensures Cleveland meets the needs of families in ways that go far beyond a typical school community. His collaborative leadership unites Cleveland’s families and staff, creating a culture of shared success. As a ‘Beating the Odds School,’ Cleveland defies expectations about high-poverty schools, achieving what many once deemed impossible.”

Dr. Clark was selected from an outstanding field of administrator candidates by a veteran panel of judges. The other finalist for 2025 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year was Mr. Michael Antonelli, principal of Carolina Park Elementary School in the Charleston County School District. 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 5,500 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.