KCSD announces administrative changes

During the August 20 school board meeting, the Kershaw County School Board approved several administrative positions including: naming Matia Goodwin as the district’s new Director of Intervention and Enrichment; naming Dr. Alana Powers as the new principal of Camden Elementary School; and naming Sharon Lewis as the new principal at Doby’s Mill Elementary School. These changes will take place over the next few weeks.

A veteran educator and Kershaw County native, Matia Goodwin has 26 years of education experience. For the past 14 years she has served as a school administrator in Kershaw County schools, serving as principal at both Jackson School and Camden Elementary.

After teaching elementary school in Orangeburg County, she joined KCSD in 2004 as a gifted and talented teacher, then later served as a middle school curriculum coach. She then joined the Camden Elementary staff as an assistant principal, where she served for three years, before being named principal at Jackson School, followed by Camden Elementary.

"I am excited to embark on a new chapter as Director of Intervention and Enrichment. This opportunity to focus on enhancing support systems for our students and empowering our educators is truly inspiring. I am eager to contribute to the district's continued success," says Goodwin.

Goodwin earned a bachelor of science in elementary education from South Carolina State University, a Masters Degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Cambridge College.

She is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators,  Association of Curriculum and Development (ASCD), and is participating in the SC ASCD Emerging Leaders program for 2024-2025.

She is married to Bryce Goodwin and they have two children, Landon (a senior at North Greenville University) and Alyson (a junior at Vanderbilt University).

Dr. Alana Powers returns to Camden Elementary after attending the school as a child and spending a majority of her teaching career there from 2005-2017.  

“As a former student, dedicated teacher, and current parent at CES, I have a deep-rooted connection to the Colts. I am eager to collaborate with the exceptional staff, supportive parents, and the local community to continue fostering a nurturing environment that promotes the success of all students. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to give back to the place that has shaped me both personally and professionally,” says Dr. Powers.

Dr. Powers began her educational career as a teacher in Lancaster County, before joining KCSD in 2000. She taught elementary school for 18 years, serving 12 of those years at Camden Elementary. In 2017, she joined the Doby’s Mill administration team as an assistant principal, and was promoted to principal in 2020.

She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education from Winthrop University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction-Specialization in Arts Integration from Lesley University, a master’s in educational leadership from Southern Wesleyan University. In June of 2024, she earned a doctor of education degree in educational leadership from Liberty University.

Dr. Powers is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

She and her husband, Will Powers, live in Camden and have three sons: Heath (22), Tanner (19), Clint (9), and a daughter: Lila (6).

Sharon Lewis is a highly experienced educator, beginning her career as a teacher in 1991. She has taught at all levels of early childhood and elementary education. From 2007-2017, she served as an assistant principal and principal in the Bentonville School District in Arkansas, where she also served as an adjunct professor at NorthWest Arkansas Community College and John Brown University. In 2017, Lewis returned to South Carolina and currently teaches fourth-grade at Jackson School.

"I am thrilled and honored to be selected as the next principal of Doby's Mill Elementary School. With a decade of administrative experience, including serving as both an assistant principal and principal, I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to this wonderful school community. Together, we will build upon Doby's strong foundation, fostering a school culture that inspires, empowers, and develops strong character in all - a place where every Dolphin thrives."

Lewis earned a bachelor of science in early childhood and elementary education from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Walden University.

Lewis has a son, Jacob (27), a daughter, Emily (25) and a granddaughter, Sutton (4).