Board members Chris Worley and Steve Long speak with South Columbus High School Principal Kelly Beck about the people and priorities driving the school forward. Beck highlights the dedication of teachers and support staff, the school’s academic focus on “challenge, check, and respond,” and the importance of balancing belief in students with accountability. She also discusses the strong support South Columbus receives from families, community partners, and Southeastern Community College, and shares why leading the school she once attended herself is especially meaningful.

Board members Chris Worley and Steve Long speak with South Columbus High School Principal Kelly Beck about the people and priorities driving the school forward. Beck highlights the dedication of teachers and support staff, the school’s academic focus on “challenge, check, and respond,” and the importance of balancing belief in students with accountability. She also discusses the strong support South Columbus receives from families, community partners, and Southeastern Community College, and shares why leading the school she once attended herself is especially meaningful.

In this edition of School Board Brag Tag, Board of Education members Irvin Enzor and Steve Long speak with Old Dock Elementary School Principal Leslie about the collaborative culture and strong relationships that help students thrive. She discusses the school’s focus on increasing classroom rigor by encouraging students to think deeply, communicate their ideas, justify their answers, and persevere through challenging work. The conversation also highlights the essential contributions of support staff, Old Dock’s commitment to educating the whole child through morning meetings and positive affirmations, and the importance of building trust with families and the community. Leslie shares her pride in the school’s students and dedicated staff, who work together to ensure every child feels loved, safe, valued, and capable of achieving great things.

In this edition of School Board Brag Tag, Board of Education members Emily Grice and Chris Worley speak with Tabor City School Principal Dr. Dale Norris about the strong momentum building across the school. Dr. Norris describes Tabor City as unified, focused, and determined, with a priority this year on increasing student engagement and maximizing meaningful instructional time. He also highlights the often-unsung contributions of support staff, the accomplishments of students in academics and extracurricular activities, and the important role of the school’s PTO, churches, families, and community partners. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Norris shares his pride in a school community committed to continuous improvement and helping every student recognize their ability to succeed.

In this edition of School Board Brag Tag, Board of Education members Emily Grice and Irvin Enzor speak with Columbus Career and College Academy Principal Christian Godwin about the school’s outstanding accomplishments, including earning an A school grade and exceeding academic growth. Godwin credits CCCA’s dedicated staff, hardworking students, focused three-year improvement plan, and strong partnership with Southeastern Community College for the school’s success. She also discusses the school’s next instructional priority—ensuring student engagement leads to deeper thinking and meaningful achievement—while celebrating the teamwork, commitment, and shared vision that continue to move CCCA forward.

Board members Steve Long and Chris Worley talk with Williams Township Principal Michelle Simmons about the strong sense of community that makes the school special. Ms. Simmons shares her deep personal roots in the community and the pride she takes in serving its students and families. She also discusses the incredible support the school receives from the community, emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships between teachers and students, and highlights the unsung heroes of Williams Township, including the support staff whose daily work helps create a positive, caring environment. Ms. Simmons also speaks about the need for a sense of urgency as the school works to meet the needs of every student and continue moving Williams Township forward.

Columbus County Schools Board of Education members Emily Grice and Irvin Enzor speak with Kristie Leinthall, principal of Acme-Delco Elementary School, for a wide-ranging conversation. The discussion explores efforts to strengthen accountability, support continued growth, and prepare students, staff, and families for the upcoming consolidation as the new East View School prepares to open.

Board members Emily Grice and Irvin Enzor talk with Nakina Middle School Principal Shelly Cullipher about the strong sense of community that makes Nakina special. A proud graduate of the former Nakina High School, Ms. Cullipher shares what it means to lead a school with such deep personal roots. She also discusses the importance of giving students opportunities to discover and develop their many talents in a well-rounded school setting, highlights the unsung heroes who help make Nakina such a special place, and shares the initiatives moving the school forward this year, including the “Marvelous Mustangs” program and other efforts focused on student success, school pride, and community involvement.

Current Columbus County Schools Principal of the Year Herman Bland reflects on his first few months at West Columbus School, sharing what has impressed him most about the students, staff, and school community. He highlights the strengths of West Columbus and discusses the high expectations he has for the school year ahead. With a focus on student success, growth, and a strong school culture, Mr. Bland shares his vision for an exciting year at West Columbus School.

In the latest edition of the School Board Brag Tag Podcast, board members Emily Grice and Irvin Enzor sit down with Dr. Peggy Hester, the new principal of East Columbus Jr./Sr. High School. Dr. Hester reflects on her first few months at the school, recognizes the unsung heroes who help make the East Columbus community special, and shares why she believes East Columbus is poised for an amazing year.