Patrice Green, currently an assistant principal at Clover High School in Clover, S.C., will replace Brice Cockfield as principal of Carolina Springs Middle School effective July 1, 2024.

Green, who holds a bachelor of science degree in history from Francis Marion University, a masters degree in curriculum and instruction from Winthrop University, an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University in December, has served in a variety of roles within the field of education.

She taught eighth grade social studies at York Middle School for eight years where she was named the 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year. She was also assistant principal at Harold C. Johnson Elementary School before she transferred to her current position at Clover High School in 2020.

While she was at Clover High School, she was named a South Carolina Association for School Administrator’s Gold and Silver Strand Assistant Principal and was a finalist this year for the SCASA Assistant Principal of the Year.

Lexington One Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait said in the press release that Green “is an experienced instructional leader and educator who focuses on team leadership, relationship building and coaching within a collaborative team environment.”

“She is dedicated to establishing connections between the school, staff, families and the community in order to guide all students as they learn, grow and excel,” Postlewait said in the press release.

Riverbank Elementary announces new principal for new school year

Nicholas Gillcrese will be the new principal of Riverbank Elementary for the upcoming school year.

Gillcrese is currently an assistant principal at Lake Carolina Elementary’s Lower Campus in Richland County School District Two. He has been assistant principal there since 2020.

He was previously an assistant principal at Sandlapper Elementary in Richland Two and as administrative assistant principal at Oak Pointe Elementary. He began his career in education as a third-grade teacher at Ballentine Elementary for two years and then nine years at Oak Pointe Elementary School where he was 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year.

Gillcrese holds a bachelor’s degree of education from Benedict College and has two master’s degrees from Southern Wesleyan University, one in education and another in administration and supervision.

Gillcrese said in the press release that he is excited to create an inclusive and diverse learning environment at Riverbank Elementary.

“As Riverbank’s principal, I am committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where students, teachers, and staff feel valued, respected, and celebrated. I look forward to leveraging our diversity by engaging our families and community at large to ensure the success and well being of every student at Riverbank Elementary,” he said.

Previous assistant principal at Cayce Elementary is announced as new principal

Elaine Lundy, a previous assistant principal at Cayce Elementary for six years from 2016-2022, is returning as the school’s new principal for the 2024-2025 school year.

Lundy previously taught at Saluda Trail Middle School in Rock Hill, S.C. before serving as a special education teacher at Brookland-Cayce High School, Busbee Creative Arts Academy and Three Rivers Midlands.

She then became the ABA coordinator and transition specialist for Lexington School District Two before entering her current role as principal of New Bridge Academy, which is Lexington Two’s alternative program.

Lundy has a bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University and two masters from Grand Canyon University and Columbia College.

Lundy said in the press release that she is excited to begin her new role and start positively impacting young children.

“Being drawn to Cayce Elementary stems from a passion for education, a desire to make a positive impact on young minds, and the opportunity to lead and support a dedicated team of educators.

"I look forward to educating the whole child, implementing innovative teaching strategies, and collaborating with staff, students, and parents to ensure academic success and personal growth for all,” she said in the press release.