SDOC Announces New Principal Hires

At its regularly scheduled board meeting held Monday, June 5, 2023, the School District of Oconee County Board of Trustees approved several new principals for the 2023-2024 school year.  Dr. Michael Thorsland, superintendent, said, “We look forward to working with each of these individuals as they step into the role of principal.” 

Amanda Scott has been named principal of Keowee Elementary.  Prior to becoming an assistant principal at Keowee, she taught third grade at Blue Ridge Elementary. Ms. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Clemson University and a master’s degree in administration from Southern Wesleyan University. She is also a graduate of the Foundations in School Leadership Cohort and Building Instructional Capacity Cohort from the South Carolina Department of Education. Ms. Scott taught for seven years at Blue Ridge Elementary and was the director of the SDOC summer reading program before transitioning to Keowee. Amanda and her family have lived in Oconee County for twenty-five years. 

Ms. Scott said, “It is an honor to be named the new principal of Keowee Elementary School. Keowee is a special place where we focus on family and working together to help our students cultivate a love of learning that will last a lifetime, and I look forward to serving in my new role.”

Jodie Shirley has been named principal of Ravenel Elementary.  Mrs. Shirley’s educational career began at JN Kellett Elementary School as a teacher in 1998. She served as an instructional coach from 2005 to 2013, first at JN Kellett, then at Blue Ridge Elementary School. From 2013 to 2018 Mrs. Shirley was a math and STEM instructional coach, before accepting an assistant principal role at Midway Elementary School in 2018. Mrs. Shirley earned her bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Western Carolina University and her masters in administration and supervision from Clemson University. Mrs. Shirley has resided in Oconee County for 26 years with her husband, a life-long native of Seneca, and their 2 children.

Mrs. Shirley says, “It is an honor to be selected as Principal of Ravenel Elementary School. There is no better life’s work than to pour into the lives of children, laying a foundation for success. I bring instructional expertise and a vision for excellence to continue my work, and would like to thank the school board, Dr. Thorsland, and the leadership team for the opportunity to serve our children and community. It feels like I have been welcomed home! Bobcats Forever, Bobcats for Life!”

Dr. Mike Cory began in educational leadership in 2000 at Carver-Edisto Middle School in Orangeburg County. He also served as a teacher, coach and career center director in Orangeburg County. He moved back to Pickens County in 2006 and has served as principal of Gettys Middle School since. Dr. Cory holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Clemson University and a master’s and doctoral degree in educational administration from the University of South Carolina and Gardner-Webb University, respectively. Dr. Cory and his wife Lee currently reside in Clemson with their two daughters. 

Dr. Cory said, “It is a blessing to join the Seneca Middle Bobcats and the School District of Oconee County. I appreciate all of the support of Dr. Thorsland and the leadership team of Oconee County for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that has flowed from the current Seneca Middle School facility that has been in place since 1967.”  I am excited about building the future for Seneca Middle along with the dedicated teachers and staff members as we serve our families and community together. We are One Seneca!”