KCSD announces two administrative hires

Rebecca Shackleford joined KCSD in 2024 as the principal of Lugoff-Elgin Middle School. Prior to her time as LEMS principal, she served as an assistant principal at Indian Land High School in Lancaster County School District, interim director and assistant director of Rock Hill School District’s Virtual Academy, and in the Rock Hill School District in the positions of Advanced Studies Program Coordinator, Secondary Instruction Leader, and International Baccalaureate and Language Immersion Coordinator.

Before moving into administration, Shackleford taught English and History for 10 years in Rock Hill and Fort Mill school districts. 

Shackleford earned a Bachelors of Science in Education and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Winthrop University, a Masters of Education Curriculum and Instruction from Walden University and a Credential in Data Analysis from University of South Carolina. 

She is a member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) organization; The National Society of Leadership and Success; South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education; South Carolina Association of School Administrators; and South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association. She is an IB Certified Head of Schools.

“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of Assessment for Kershaw County Schools and work with data analytics, accountability, and assessment. I believe leadership begins with service, and I look forward to working alongside our administrators, faculty, staff, and community as we pursue a shared vision of excellence. I am committed to listening, building strong relationships, and helping create an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. It is a privilege to join the district team with such a strong commitment to excellence and a culture rooted in purpose and care,” says Shackleford. 

Lugoff-Elgin Middle School Assistant Principal LaKeisha Lawrence moves into the role of principal after serving as assistant principal at LEMS for 6 years. 

During her time as assistant principal at LEMS, she helped lead the school during two re-designations as a National Schools to Watch, served as a National Schools to Watch Conference presenter, and successfully completed the Center of Executive Education Leadership (CEEL) Assistant Principal Foundations Program (Silver and Gold Strand) and the CEEL Aspiring Principals’ Program (Silver and Gold Strand).

Prior to joining the LEMS administrative staff, Lawrence taught at Camden Elementary School for 11 years and Camden Middle for five years. She was named Teacher of the Year at Camden Elementary in 2009.  

She has a bachelor of arts degree from Clemson University, a master of science degree from Walden University and a master of education degree from Southern Wesleyan University.

She is a member of South Carolina Association of School Administrators, South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education, Alpha Delta Kappa (International Honorary Organization for Women Educators), and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as principal of Lugoff-Elgin Middle School. LEMS is a special place, and having served as assistant principal for the past six years, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our students, staff, and families. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working together to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and prepared for success,” says Lawrence.