Above: Jamie Allen
From staff reports
Veteran administrators have been selected to lead two Beaufort County School District (BCSD) schools in the Whale Branch cluster. One of the selections was an internal move and the other was an external hire from outside the district.
Whale Branch Middle School
Jamie Allen, an assistant principal at Broad River Elementary School, replaces Freddie Lawton, who now serves as Capital Programs Educational Program Manager for the district. Allen has 15 years of educational experience, all at BCSD. She started her education career as a third grade teacher at Broad River Elementary School in 2006 and went on to serve as a literacy interventionist, TAP mentor/master teacher, and as an assistant principal at Broad River Elementary School. Allen served in the United States Army from 1998 through 2005, earning two achievement medals for accomplishing large tasks in minimal time.
“I am humbly honored and excited to serve the beloved Whale Branch community,” Allen said in a release.
Allen and her husband are personally vested in Whale Branch, having raised their own children there for 15 years.
Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of South Carolina Beaufort and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in literacy from Lesley University. She also holds an education specialist degree in educational leadership from Capella University.
Whale Branch Early College High School
Patricia Brantley-Moore, Principal of North District Middle School in Hampton District One, replaces Mona Lise Dickson, who now serves as a district executive director. A veteran administrator with more than 35 years of experience, Brantley began her educational career as a secondary math teacher and JTPA coordinator in Estill, where she went on to become a teacher specialist with SDE. She then served Hampton District Two as the director of alternative school, assistant principal of Wade Hampton High School, and 10 years as principal of North District Middle School in Hampton District One.
Brantley spent more than 25 years working in a traditional high school environment, but looks forward to leading a school with significant degree avenues for students.
“I am excited to lead Whale Branch Early College High School because of its rich history and the opportunities afforded to students wishing to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and an associate degree,” she said in a release.
Brantley earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of South Carolina. She has also taken 30 hours of coursework above the master’s level at Columbia International Theological Seminary.
“Every great district has strong school leaders, and I’m confident that these educators will be effective leaders in the Whale Branch community.” Beaufort County School District Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said. “They’re experienced, they understand the importance of hard work, and the value of teamwork. Their No. 1 priority will be moving academic achievement forward and ensuring their students’ success.”
