FCSD3 Names Two New Principals for 2018-2019

FCSD3 Names Two New Principals for 2018-2019
Posted on 03/15/2018
Shanda Poston and Tonyelle Thomas

The Florence County School District Three board of trustees approved Superintendent Laura Hickson’s recommendation to appoint two new school principals for the 2018-2019 school year at the board’s monthly meeting Thursday.

Shanda Poston was appointed principal at Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy and Tonyelle Thomas was named principal of Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School.

“I feel honored and blessed to have this opportunity and promise to do my best to continue the expectation of excellence at Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy,” Poston said.

Poston has served as assistant principal at Scranton Elementary since 2014 and played an instrumental role in the school’s earning STEM accreditation from AdvancED and Scranton Elementary’s selection as a Palmetto’s Finest finalist for the past two years. She also spent 10 years as a classroom teacher, including five years at J. Paul Truluck Middle School.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Coastal Carolina University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton (PA).

Thomas served as assistant principal at Main Street Elementary School for the past year and was an administrative assistant and math instructional coach prior to that. She also has served as a math interventionist and STEM mentor teacher. In addition, she was an elementary classroom teacher for more than six years.

She graduated magna cum laude from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.

“I am deeply honored to become the new principal of Olanta Elementary Creative Arts and Science Magnet School,” Thomas said. “I am excited to begin working with the staff, students and the community on the Magnet School Initiative.  A lot of great things are in the works and I’m thrilled to be in Bearcat Country.”

Shanda Poston image
Shanda Poston

Tonyelle Thomas image
Tonyelle Thomas