Florence School District 3’s board of trustees supported Superintendent Dr. Laura Hickson’s recommendations to appoint two new principals for the 2024-2025 school year Thursday during the board's monthly meeting.
"I am optimistic that these leaders will collaborate with our educators, students, and parents to foster a positive and productive learning environment,” said Dr. Laura Hickson, FSD3 Superintendent. “Their combined experience and vision will undoubtedly contribute to our district's continued success and growth, and I am hopeful about the future under their leadership.”
Steven Barr will be the new principal at J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School. Mr. Barr has been an educator for 15 years, including teaching mathematics for 11 years. He spent two years as a middle school assistant principal and just completed his second year as a as an assistant principal at Lake City High School.
Mr. Barr earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Coastal Carolina University as well as a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.
Steven Barr
Jhmal Cole will be Lake City Early Childhood Center’s new principal. For the past two years, Mr. Cole has served as the assistant principal at R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy in Sumter County School District. He also taught first and third grades at Lemira Elementary School and was named the school’s Teacher of the Year in 2019-2020. In addition, he has coached high school football and track and field for over a decade.
A native of New Brunswick, NJ, Mr. Cole earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Morris College.
Jhmal Cole