Northside and Westminster Elementary Schools to Welcome New Principals

At a special called board meeting on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, the School District of Oconee County Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Mrs. Elizabeth McDonald as principal of Northside Elementary and Mrs. Liza Smith as principal of Westminster Elementary.  Dr. Thorsland said, “We are excited to welcome Liza and Elizabeth into their roles.  They both bring a wealth of instructional knowledge and experience that will benefit both students and staff.” 

Liza Smith, a Walhalla High School graduate, will transition from her current position as Director of Applied Data to become the principal of Westminster Elementary School.  Mrs. Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Clemson University and a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Southern Wesleyan University.  She has been in education for 14 years, 10 of which were as a teacher and assistant principal.  Mrs. Smith is married to Randy Smith, and they have two children, Jackson and Addie.  Mrs. Smith said, “I’m so excited to see my educational career come full circle in returning to the school where I began my career as a teacher.  I look forward to continuing the rich family tradition that has always been a part of Westminster Elementary and partnering with the students, faculty and staff, parents, and community to make Westminster Elementary a place where everyone wants to be.”  

Elizabeth McCauley McDonald, a Seneca High School graduate, who joined the administrative team at Northside last spring, will now take on the role of principal. Mrs. McDonald holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Social Studies from Clemson University and Master’s degrees in both Education and Educational Administration from Anderson University and University of South Carolina, respectively.  She is currently pursuing a PhD. in Literacy, Language and Culture at Clemson University. Mrs. McDonald taught  for eight years, two of those at Seneca High School, before moving to administration. Elizabeth is married to Alonzo and they have four children, Maricellyn, Audra, Catherine and Alonzo, Jr.  Mrs. McDonald said, “I’m excited to step into the role of principal and build on the strong foundation Northside has in cultivating learners for life.  It is a privilege to begin my journey as a principal in the community where I attended school.”