News and Updates

Johnston, SC – Five years ago, Janelle Clark-Stevens’s first experience working in the Edgefield County School District (ECSD) came during summer session at Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton (J-E-T) Middle School, and she recalls those few short weeks fondly. Now, they will hold an even broader meaning in the greater story of her continuing career in education.

Members of the Edgefield County Board of Education approved Clark-Stevens’s 2026-27 school year appointment as J-E-T Middle School assistant principal during its regular monthly meeting held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Returning to the school as an administrator was a personal and professional opportunity she relished.

“When my husband and I moved back to Edgefield — his hometown — I had the opportunity to work at J-E-T for summer school,” said Clark-Stevens. “From day one, the faculty and staff welcomed me like family. That was five years ago, and thankfully, many of those same educators are still there. That experience stayed with me.”

“I’ve always valued working in an environment that feels supportive, collaborative, and family centered,” she added. “The opportunity to return to J-E-T in a leadership role felt like a full-circle moment — one where I could serve in a place that once poured into me. Beyond that, middle school is such a pivotal stage. Students are discovering who they are, and they need strong systems, consistency, and people who genuinely care. I felt called to step into a role where I can help shape both culture and direction during those critical years.”

Clark-Stevens’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Degree from Valdosta State University, a Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Georgia Southern University, an Education Leadership Tier 1 Certificate from University of West Georgia, and Educational Specialist Degree in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.

She is a two-time teacher of the year (in 2018 at Wilkinson County High School in Georgia, and in 2024 at Strom Thurmond High School) and currently serves as Career Academy Implementation Specialist at STHS in addition to serving as current chair of the Edgefield County School District Teacher Forum. She says her transition to school administration at the middle level is possible, in part, by her personal growth and professional experiences at STHS, both as a teacher and a leader. 

“I am incredibly thankful for both previous and current administrations at Strom Thurmond High School who trusted me with opportunities that stretched me beyond my classroom,” said Clark-Stevens. “They allowed me to tackle different initiatives, lead teams, analyze data, coordinate events, and support teachers — all of which built my leadership capacity over time.”

“I’ve always been willing to learn, grow, and step into challenges, even when they were outside my comfort zone,” she added. “Those experiences have shaped me into a leader who values collaboration, organization, clear communication, and student-centered decision-making. Working in the high school setting for 11 years has also given me a deep understanding of what students need academically and socially to be successful long term. I carry those lessons with me as I transition into this new role.”

For Clark-Stevens, serving as a middle-level school administrator will focus her decade-plus of high school experience on supporting teachers and preparing J-E-T Middle Eagles for the transition to the next level of the educational journey.  

“What excites me most is the opportunity to make an impact at a new level — especially at a stage where students need support, structure, and love the most,” said Clark-Stevens. “Middle school students are navigating so much growth, and having the chance to pour into them during that time is something I do not take lightly.”

“After 11 years in the high school setting, I am well versed in what students need to build a strong academic and social foundation before they reach those final years,” she added. “I’ve seen what happens when students are prepared — and when they aren’t. Being part of a team that can intentionally equip them earlier, guide them, and help them believe in themselves truly excites me. I’m honored to be part of shaping that journey.”

Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at ecsdpio@edgefieldcountyschools.org.

DISTRICT ANNOUNCES TWO PRINCIPAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE UPCOMING 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR; EXPERIENCED BUILDING LEADERS SARA-BETH BROWN, CHARIDY GOLDMAN TO SERVE AS NEXT PRINCIPALS OF MERRIWETHER MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MERRIWETHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Johnston, SC – The Edgefield County School District (ECSD) announces the appointment of experienced school leaders Sara-Beth Brown and Charidy Goldman as principals for the 2026–27 school year. Mrs. Brown will serve as principal of Merriwether Middle School (MMS), and Ms. Goldman will serve as principal of Merriwether Elementary School (MES).

Mrs. Brown currently serves as principal of Merriwether Elementary School, and Ms. Goldman currently serves as principal of W.E. Parker Elementary School (WEP). The leadership assignments were approved by the Edgefield County Board of Trustees during a special called meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

These appointments reflect the district’s continued commitment to ensuring strong, experienced leadership across all schools.

“Decisions involving school leadership transitions are never simple, particularly when valued professional and personal relationships are affected,” said ECSD Superintendent Dr. Kevin O’Gorman. “However, our responsibility is clear. We will always pursue what is in the best interest of all students across this district.”

Under Mrs. Brown’s leadership, Merriwether Elementary School experienced significant academic progress, including nearly a 20 percent increase in SC Ready Math scores and performance levels that exceeded both district and state averages in Math and Reading.

At W.E. Parker Elementary, Ms. Goldman led substantial academic growth over three years. The school improved nearly 11 report card rating points between 2024–25 and the current school year, moving from an “Average” to a “Good” rating. From 2022–23 through 2024–25, WEP students achieved approximately 25 percent growth in English Language Arts (ELA) performance and nearly 12 percent growth in Math.

The principal vacancy at W.E. Parker Elementary School will be posted later this week for qualified internal candidates.

“We have intentionally invested in developing strong future administrators through our ‘Grow Our Own’ leadership initiative,” Dr. O’Gorman added. “That preparation allows us to make thoughtful transitions while maintaining stability and momentum in our schools.”

Community meetings with the incoming principals will be scheduled at each school following the appointment of the next principal of W.E. Parker Elementary School.

Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at ecsdpio@edgefieldcountyschools.org.

Johnston, SC – The word “opportunity” took on a completely new meaning for Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton (J-E-T) Middle School eighth-grade student Maddison Young during the school’s annual black history program held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and featuring noted public speaker, comedian, and student motivator Alton Walker.

His message to students? Focus on taking advantage of opportunities in life because they are all around us.

An empty chair had been placed alone in front of the student body as they were seated in the gymnasium’s bleachers. It was just a normal school chair, but with a message taped to it on several sheets of paper – Students Only: Sit Here If You Believe In Your Greatness. It remained empty for a long time before Maddison finally sat there with few expectations.

Later, as Walker addressed students, parents, and school administrators, faculty, staff and guests, he told them opportunity lay everywhere and was available to everyone. All they need do is put forth the effort to seize it and make it theirs. He mentioned this several times and used several examples before asking Maddison to come forward with the chair.

“We’re talking about opportunities,” said Walker. “Now flip it on over, upside down.”

Maddison flipped over the chair to see a clear plastic bag taped to the bottom. Her eyes opened wide.

The plastic bag wasn’t empty. A murmur of collective realization and shock surged through the crowd like an electric current.

“How much money is that?” Walker asked Maddison.

“One hundred dollars,” she said as the students erupted with excitement.

Walker’s point was as clear as the money bag itself. The opportunity to receive the $100 had been available to all of them.

The action had required some risk. The chair stood out from the crowd and the individual who sat there would sit alone. Still, it had been a FREE opportunity and required no greater investment than personal confidence and belief in oneself.

“All you had to do was sit in the chair,” he told the students. “That’s all you had to do. This is what opportunity is about.”

Opportunity may not always translate into an immediate payday of $100, but attending a study session, writing an essay, or making a new contact today may lead to a higher test score, a better college scholarship, or a higher paying job tomorrow.

Musical entertainment for the program was provided by the J-E-T Middle School Band under the direction of Ms. Carley Dunton, and the J-E-T Middle School Chorus under the direction of Ms. Imelda Shoffner. The Eagles Band performed “A Jubilant Spirit” as composed by Carol B. Chambers and “Propulsion” as composed by Adrian B. Sims. The Eagles Chorus performed “Walls Come Down” as composed by Lisa Clayton and “Bonse Aba” as composed by Victor C. Johnson.

Ms. Shoffner was also presented with flowers and a plaque of recognition by her students celebrating her gospel single “Never Be Defeated” hitting number one on the Mediabase Gospel internet radio chart in 2025.  

Additional students participating in the program included Tia Plair (Pledge of Allegiance), Rhyiah Culbreath (J-E-T School Creed), and Brendon Brown (History of Black History Month).

Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at ecsdpio@edgefieldcountyschools.org.

Augusta, GA – Surrounded by fellow area educators and public service professionals from across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), Edgefield County School District (ECSD) Teacher of the Year and Merriwether Middle School Librarian Kristen Taylor, was honored by Masters Tournament representatives during the organization’s annual “Hometown Heroes” reception, hosted by The Hub for Community Innovation on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The Masters Tournament, scheduled this year for April 6-12, 2026, at Augusta National Golf Club, honors local residents who have made significant, selfless contributions to their community. These “Hometown Heroes” are publicly recognized for their service and are invited to attend the tournament.

“This was a great experience,” said Ms. Taylor. “I loved the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. It was truly beautiful to see such a wide variety of public service professionals being recognized this way. The room was full of people with a heart for the CSRA. I'm thankful for the honor of being counted among them.”

Ms. Taylor says she will be attending the Masters Tournament for the very first time when it opens in April.

“This will be my first time attending the Masters Tournament, and I'm excited to go,” said Ms. Taylor. “I've lived here my entire life and never seen the course. I'm looking forward to seeing everything and getting swept up in the excitement of it all.”

Ms. Taylor was joined at the reception by her father, Lowell Taylor, and ECSD Public Information Officer Mike Rosier.

“Thank you to the Masters Tournament for taking the time to honor local educators and other Hometown Heroes and thank you to the Edgefield County School District for their support and for believing in me,” she added.

Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at ecsdpio@edgefieldcountyschools.org.

Johnston, SC - Online student enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is NOW OPEN. Student enrollment also includes the opening of our Pre-Kindergarten, or 4K, application process for the 2026-27 school year.

Important enrollment information is included in the 2026-27 ECSD Student Enrollment Guide now available on our school district’s website and through the links provided below.

2026-27 ECSD STUDENT ENROLLMENT GUIDE: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1771541533/edgefieldk12scus/cc9khlsxoon82bltgkui/2026-27ECSDSTUDENTENROLLMENTGUIDE.pdf 

2026-2027 ECSD ALUMNO INSCRIPCIÓN GUÍA: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1771541598/edgefieldk12scus/ywyxmadhdmb8kqzhq0ld/2026-27ECSDSTUDENTENROLLMENTGUIDEes.pdf