KCSD News: KCSD announces new Lugoff-Elgin High and Wateree Elementary principals

Rhea Faris currently serves as the district’s Director of Pupil Services, overseeing student discipline, school zoning designations, student activities and athletics at the district level.

"In his current role as Director of Pupil Services and having previously served at Lugoff-Elgin High as an assistant principal, Mr. Faris has proven himself to be a leader of high integrity, exceptional instructional knowledge, and strong relationship-building. I am confident that his familiarity with the school community, combined with his district-level perspective, will ensure a smooth transition and lead LEHS into its next chapter of academic excellence,” says KCSD Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin.

A graduate of Camden High School, Faris returned to the Kershaw County School District in 2018 as an assistant principal at Lugoff-Elgin High School. During his five-years at LEHS, his administrative responsibilities included overseeing the mathematics and world language departments, professional development and instruction, attendance and truancy, the ACE program, AP Capstone, and credit recovery.

Faris began his career in education in 2002 as a mathematics teacher at Laurens District 55 High School, where he chaired the curriculum and data committee. In 2007, he joined the mathematics department at Chapin High School, teaching there for six years and earning selection as the 2013 Teacher of the Year. Prior to his administrative role at Lugoff-Elgin, Faris taught for five years at Mid-Carolina High School, serving on the leadership team to help develop curriculum and implement new standards and technology initiatives for both the school and the district.

“It is an honor to be chosen as the next principal at Lugoff-Elgin High School. It is a dream to work with such a great group of people that make up the faculty, staff, and student body. I have many fond memories of my time as an assistant principal, and I am excited to be returning. I believe that Lugoff-Elgin HIgh School is, and will continue to be, a place where students can excel academically, athletically, and artistically as we strive for greater heights of excellence,” says Faris.

Faris received a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in secondary education from Presbyterian College and Master of Arts in educational leadership with an emphasis on principalship from The University of the Cumberlands. He is currently pursuing a doctorate of education in education leadership from Gardner Webb University.

He is a member of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

Faris and his wife Ashley have two daughters, Margie and Sadie.

A veteran educator, Dr. Danielle Reilly returns to KCSD with 18 years of teaching and administration experience. She is currently the principal of Hyatt Park Elementary School in Richland County School District One.

“Dr. Reilly is a proven leader with experience in both instruction and administration. Her impressive work in elevating school culture and academics demonstrates exactly the kind of visionary leadership we want for Wateree Elementary. We are proud to welcome her back to the KCSD family and look forward to the wonderful things ahead for our students, staff, and families,” says Dr. Harrison Goodwin.

Under her leadership over the last four years, Hyatt Park Elementary has moved 21 points, from an unsatisfactory rating on the SC School Report Card to an average rating, with a score of “excellent” in school culture. Hyatt Park Elementary was also named a Visible Learning Certified Plus school in 2025, and Dr. Reilly is a trained Visible Learning presenter.

Prior to this, she served as the assistant principal for instruction at Eau Claire High and as an assistant principal at Chester Senior High School. Reilly also worked as the coordinator of special education in Berkeley County School District from 2016-2017.

Before moving into administration, she taught special education for 7 years, including time at Lugoff-Elgin High School, Illahee Middle School and Lyndhurst High School. During the 2013-2014 school year she was named the Lugoff-Elgin High School Reading Teacher of the Year.

"Wateree holds a special place in my heart because it’s the only elementary school my three children ever attended. The teachers and support staff there loved them, kept them safe, and helped grow them into the people they are today. To now have the opportunity to return and continue leading a culture of excellence for our students, staff, and families is both humbling and an incredible honor," says Reilly.

Dr. Reilly earned a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and History from Centenary College, a Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

She is a member of South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).

Dr. Reilly resides in Lugoff with her husband Brandon.They have three children, Mia (16), Brandon Jr (14), and Mason (10).