Beaufort County principals of the year honored before classes resume

The Beaufort County School District announced its principals and assistant principals of the year just before the end of its summer break.

Classes are scheduled to begin for the 2022-23 academic year on Monday. Winter break is scheduled for Dec. 20 to Jan. 4, spring break is April 7-14, and the school year will end June 2.

District officials honored the following administrators during the Summer Institute, the district’s annual three-day summer professional development conference:

• Elementary Principal of the Year: Michelle Sackman, Beaufort Elementary School.

• Secondary Principal of the Year: Brian Ryman, River Ridge Academy.

• Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year: Cynthia Laizer, Red Cedar Elementary School.

• Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year: Kyctrell Swinton-Atkins, Whale Branch Middle School.

“Passionate. Reflective. Motivational. Going above and beyond. These are the kinds of traits and characteristics that not only make our employees special, but it’s what keeps this district running, through the challenges we may face,” superintendent Frank Rodriguez said.

The principals will be eligible to compete for South Carolina Principal of the Year.

Michelle Sackman, Beaufort Elementary

"Great leaders working with staff and students is the foundation of the excellent school experience at Beaufort Elementary that prepares future-ready students for success. Mrs. Sackman’s impact on culture and achievement was immediately evident by establishing a shared commitment to 'Success for All.' Michelle not only expects greatness from herself, she motivates all of the staff to become better, more effective educators. She is a tireless leader, a selfless motivator and a fearless visionary." — executive director Celestine LaVan.

Brian Ryman, River Ridge Academy

"Bryan Ryman is one of our great school leaders, making a difference in the lives of children each day. He trusts his teachers to work hard and give students everything they need to grow and succeed. And for their part, teachers trust him to work just as hard — maybe even harder — to provide and protect the kind of learning environment they need to achieve powerful teaching and learning in their classrooms." — LaVan.

Cynthia Laizer, Red Cedar Elementary

"Cynthia Laizer is a consummate professional. From the mundane, but extremely vital job functions that include test administration, textbook management, MTSS oversight, and addressing bus referrals, to unsnarling complex problems associated with scheduling, overseeing ADEPT activities, and coaching teachers, students, and parents alike. Mrs. Laizer leads with heart, soul, empathy, and reason. She is a creative problem solver and reflective about her practice. She doesn’t say 'Yes, but...' She says 'Yes, and,' always looking to honor and enhance others’ ideas." — principal Kathy Corley.

Kyctrell Swinton-Atkins, Whale Branch Middle

"Mrs. Swinton-Atkins is a fierce leader, passionate and caring about all students and staff. She is extremely knowledgeable about her craft and is often used to support the district in various entities due to her expertise. Mrs. Swinton-Atkins doesn’t hesitate to assist others. She is frequently called to Zoom with colleagues to provide support. She does it without complaint or hesitation. Mediocrity is not a term that can be used to describe her. Mrs. Swinton-Atkins doesn’t half-do anything. Her standard is definitely excellence. She is a great picture of what Beaufort County School District expects in their leaders; a selfless, knowledgeable, kind-hearted, yet relentless about 'what is right for students' kind of leader." — principal Jamie Allen.