District Names Principal of the Year Finalists

The Berkeley County Board of Education recently announced it's finalists for principal and assistant principal of the year, including several local administrators.
Here are our local nominees and a brief bio provided by the Berkeley County School District:

BCSD Principal of the Year Finalists:

Jim Spencer, Marrington Middle School of the Arts  

In 1990, Spencer began his tenure with Berkeley County School District, for which he has served as principal of Hanahan High, Stratford High and Marrington Middle  School of the Arts. Under his leadership, Marrington Middle recently became the state’s first middle school in ten years to win the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award.  A student says that Spencer encourages everyone to do his or her best in all subjects and in all endeavors. This administrator strives to empower every member of the community with the tools needed for success. Spencer is known for making Marrington Middle a supportive, fun, and inviting learning environment in which students develop academically, artistically, and socially. 

Conrad Lopes, Stratford High 

In the four years that Lopes has served as the principal of Stratford High, he has worked to never treat anyone in a way he would not want to be treated. He is known for a remarkable work ethic, an undying commitment to his students, and his open door policy, which he extends to anyone in the Stratford community. A Stratford parent especially appreciates how, each summer, Lopes and his fellow administrators tirelessly review the schedules, MAP scores, and grades of rising ninth grade students to ensure that each one takes a courseload that can lead to success. Each day, this phenomenal educator serves the school with this level of attention and compassion. 

Other finalists: Elaine Norton, St. Stephen Elementary

BCSD Finalists for Assistant Principal of the Year

Dr. Lindsey Marino, Westview Primary  

Lindsey Marino began her career in 2000 as a special education teacher at Macedonia Middle. In 2004, she continued her teaching career at Sangaree Middle. In 2006, Dr. Marino was selected to serve as an assistant principal  at Sangaree Middle before transferring to Westview Primary. Her principal states that Dr. Marino has an understanding of students with special needs and knows how to provide support. The little ones steal her heart, and it is not uncommon to find her on the floor of a preschool classroom checking on their progress through the use of interactive play. Dr. Marino says, "When my path takes me somewhere else, it is my hope that I will leave a legacy of success. The culture we create in the school fosters that in every stakeholder."

Phillip Crawford, Westview Middle  

Crawford has been in the district for 15 years as a teacher, teacher evaluator, Title I facilitator and assistant principal at Goose Creek High and Westview Middle. During his five years at Westview Middle, he has learned that collaborative leadership is the only way to gain respect of teachers and staff. He believes that tremendous improvement can occur if all key stakeholders are given the opportunity to express their ideas and opinions. A Westview Middle teacher indicates that Crawford never tells anyone that he doesn’t have time for conversations, thoughts, or new ideas. This extraordinary administrator is known for consistently taking time to help others excel and to create an optimal learning environment for students.

Heather Taylor, Stratford High 

During Taylor's 17 years with the district, she has stayed the course through a steady rise in her level and areas of expertise—from teacher and coach to leader on the administration team of one of the state’s largest high schools. Her leadership style is defined by the belief that success is ultimately determined by people and relationships, not programs. Her principal states that Taylor constantly works to stay abreast of the latest trends in education and tools  to ensure that all students are successful. She goes above and beyond the call of duty in every endeavor and is selfless in her dedication to Stratford High. Taylor is extremely approachable and is concerned with the students’ lives both in school and out.