2024-2025 STAR Principal Recognitions

 

Charleston County School District (CCSD) recognized seven Star Principals of the Year on Monday, December 16, 2024. They were nominated by their peers and selected through a competitive application process based on their leadership and work to improve student outcomes and implement strategic change. Principals will be honored alongside Teachers of the Year at this year’s black-tie gala event on March 1, 2025.
  
"Our Star Principals demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and creativity, making a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community,” said Superintendent Anita Huggins. “We are blessed to have them as leaders in CCSD and are extremely proud to celebrate their outstanding achievements!"

Star Principals:

Star Rookie Principal of the Year
Andy Brandt, West Ashley High School

Brandt has been a dedicated educational leader in CCSD for twelve years, previously serving as Associate Principal, Lead Assistant Principal, and Assistant Principal at West Ashley High as well as Assistant Principal at Morningside Middle School. He holds a Doctorate in Education Systems Improvement Science from Clemson University along with advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Secondary Administration from The Citadel, and a Bachelor’s in English Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Brandt’s achievements include The Citadel's Charles E. Hirshey Award, being named Morningside Middle School Teacher of the Year, and receiving CCSD's Teacher of the Month recognition.

High School Star Principal of the Year
Chas Coker, Wando High School  

Coker began his career in 2009 as a probability and statistics teacher and coach at Wando High School before becoming assistant principal in 2014 where he led professional development, curriculum design, public relations, and graduation coordination. Appointed principal at Moultrie Middle in 2020, his leadership resulted in academic gains, including an Excellent report card rating (2021-2022), high SC PASS scores, and recognition as a Project Lead The Way School. Coker holds a Bachelor of Arts in Math Education from Clemson University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.

Elementary School Star Principal of the Year
James Dallas, E.B. Ellington Elementary School

Throughout his career, Dallas has led budget development for instruction, K-12 curriculum design, professional development focused on equity and cultural competency, and the evaluation of instructional resources for 83,000 students. He served as principal at Discovery and Cedar Lane Elementary Schools in Loudoun County (2007-2015) and at Hybla Valley Elementary in Fairfax County (2003-2007) following roles as assistant principal, staff development specialist, and teacher. Dallas holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Education Specialist Certification from Virginia Tech. His accolades include the Washington Post Distinguished Leadership Award and Loudoun County’s Principal of the Year (2011-2012).

Middle School Star Principal of the Year
LaCarma McMillan, St. James-Santee Elementary-Middle School

McMillan has been a transformative leader at St. James-Santee since becoming principal in 2017 following six years as principal of West Ashley Advanced Studies Magnet. A proud alumna of Lincoln High School and South Carolina State University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in School Counseling, an Education Administration certification from The Citadel, and is pursuing a doctorate at Charleston Southern University. McMillan’s career includes teaching roles in Richland One and Orangeburg School Districts and leadership positions in CCSD as assistant principal at Brentwood and West Ashley Middle. Her achievements include founding the first National Jr. Beta Club and National Elementary Honor Society at St. James-Santee. A former student of the school, McMillan is deeply committed to serving her community and contributes to the district as a principal mentor and a member of the Superintendent’s Principal Cabinet.

Star Rookie Principal of the Year
Barrett Reese, CCSD Early College High School

Reese began his career as a social studies teacher at Charleston County School of the Arts where he taught World and U.S. History and served as Social Studies Department Chair. In 2013, he joined Lowcountry Tech Academy, overseeing innovative courses like Cybersecurity and Digital Graphics. He later became assistant principal at Simmons-Pinckney Middle School in 2016 and Early College High School in 2019 where he promoted equitable access to dual credit courses and led MTSS initiatives to provide targeted student support. Reese holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in Teaching from The Citadel, and is a 17-year CCSD veteran.

Acceleration School Star Principal of the Year
Monica Smalls, Chicora Elementary School

Smalls served as assistant principal at Chicora Elementary from 2018 to 2021 before becoming interim principal in 2022. She began her career as a guidance counselor and parent advocate at Minnie Hughes and C.C. Blaney Elementary in 2001 and previously worked as a human service specialist with the Department of Social Services. Smalls has held roles as lead guidance counselor at Brentwood Middle and CCSD’s Sixth Grade Academy and later worked with Community Resources Solutions, providing counseling and case management. She rejoined CCSD in 2016 as a school counselor at A.C. Corcoran Elementary, where she supported initiatives like MTSS, PBIS, and testing coordination. Smalls holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University, a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Webster University, and a Master of Administration and Supervision from Charleston Southern University. She was named the school’s Teacher of the Year in 2005-2006 and participated in CCSD’s ASPIRE Program in 2013.

Elementary School Star Principal of the Year
Megan Williams, Springfield Elementary School

Williams was appointed principal of Springfield Elementary in 2018 after serving as interim principal during the 2017-18 school year. She began her career as a fifth-grade teacher at Charles Pinckney Elementary for eight years before moving to Stono Park Elementary, where she taught and served as lead teacher. Williams then transitioned to Springfield Elementary, serving as assistant principal for five years. Known for fostering collective efficacy and championing student success, she works closely with teachers to ensure their needs are met. Williams holds a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Clemson University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The Citadel.