From staff reports
Veteran administrator Wendy Oels has been selected to lead Mossy Oaks Elementary School. Oels replaces Melissa Vogt, who accepted a District administrative position as Coordinator of Physical Education and Health.
Oels’ 25-year education career in Beaufort County School District began at Hilton Head Island Elementary School where she taught 4th and 5th graders. She went on to Hilton Head Island Middle School where she taught 7th-grade Technology and 6th-grade Math and Science.
Oels continued her career at Whale Branch Elementary School holding numerous administrative roles, to include Dean of Students, Response to Intervention Coordinator, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, and Instructional Numeracy Coach. Oels’ most recent position is that of Assistant Principal at Beaufort Elementary School under the leadership of Principal Michelle Sackman.
Oels holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education.
The Interview committee was comprised of a teacher leader, feeder/cluster principal, School Improvement Council member, the Chief Human Resources Officer, a Human Resources representative, an Executive Director, and the Chief Instructional Services Officer. After each round of interviews, committee members rated the candidates and those ratings were submitted to Superintendent Rodriguez, who made the final recommendation.
“Every exceptional school has a strong leader, and I’m confident that Principal Oels will be successful in her new role,” Rodriguez said. “She is very experienced, understanding the importance of moving academic achievement forward while fostering a strong school community.
Oels is one of four new principals announced by the district this summer: Jason Osborne (Lady’s Island Elementary School), Ryan Walsh (Beaufort High School), and Dr. Karon Webb (May River High School).
