SDOC Welcomes Two New Assistant Superintendents
Earlier this year, Mrs. Lisa Simmons, current Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, announced her decision to step away from her position with the district due to family medical needs. Mrs. Simmons has served as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for the past five years. Before joining the district administrative team, she served as principal of Blue Ridge Elementary School.
Mrs. Simmons said, “Oconee County schools have been my home for 18 years and I’ve enjoyed every assignment I’ve had during that time, from teaching kindergarten through leading the instruction department. My time with SDOC has grown me as an educator and as a person. I have learned so much from my colleagues and will miss the people most of all. I look forward to seeing the district continue to grow and provide outstanding educational opportunities for all of our students.”
Dr. Thorsland, district superintendent, said “Lisa has been a huge asset to the district for many years as a teacher, principal and as part of our district leadership. She has moved us forward instructionally through a commitment to sound teaching and learning strategies, professional development opportunities for all instructional staff, and consistent standards-based instruction in our classrooms. We will miss her expertise but support and admire her desire to focus on the needs of her family.”
After discussion, district leadership and the Board of Trustees made the decision to split the roles and responsibilities of instruction into two positions to better support the instructional needs of our students. At a special called meeting on Tuesday, May 2nd, the Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Mrs. Elizabeth McDonald to fill the position of Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Instruction and Mr. Anthony Smith to fill the position of Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Instruction.
Elizabeth McCauley McDonald, a Seneca High graduate and current principal of Seneca Middle School, will transition to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Instruction. Mrs. McDonald holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Social Studies from Clemson University and Master’s degrees in Education and Educational Administration from Anderson University and University of South Carolina, respectively. She will graduate with her EdS in Educational Leadership, with superintendent certification, in August and with her PhD. in Literacy, Language, and Culture from Clemson University in December. Mrs. McDonald taught for eight years before moving to administration. She has served in administration at the elementary and middle school level. Elizabeth is married to Alonzo and they have four children, Maricellyn, Audra, Catherine, and Alonzo, Jr.
Mrs. McDonald said, “I am excited to continue serving our district in this new capacity. I’m eager to learn with and from amazing educators as we work together to meet the needs of our young learners and support their academic growth toward excellence.”
Anthony “Andy” Smith, current Cluster Superintendent for Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia will be joining the SDOC family as Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools beginning July 1. Andy, who has lived in the upstate for the past 5 years, holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Computer Science from State University of New York College at Buffalo, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. He has served as a classroom teacher, adjunct professor, curriculum director, assistant principal, and principal in addition to serving in his current role as Cluster Superintendent for the past six years. Andy is married to Rebecca and they have two daughters, Megan and Allison.
When asked about the transition to this new role, Andy said “I am humbled and honored to join this great team of educators here in SDOC. I am excited to spend the coming days connecting and building relationships with students and teachers as well as building leaders and community members in joining the great work that is already taking place here. My commitment to the entire SDOC community is to partner with all stakeholders with a heart of service to ensure the best possible learning experience and outcomes for our students.”