Dist. 5 Names Brenda Kelley New Superintendent
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson School District Five has chosen a new superintendent, and she is not stranger to the district.
The district’s board of trustees voted to appoint Brenda Kelley as the next superintendent for the district on Tuesday night. Kelley will take over July 1, and will work closely with retiring Superintendent Tom Wilson during the transition period.
“I am beyond excited to take the helm of such an exemplary school district, and I look forward to working with our community to ensure we have the best school system in the state,” said Kelley. “Supporting students is at the core of our mission, and it is my goal to make sure that every student is given every opportunity to succeed in Anderson Five.”
The board, which voted 8-0-1 (Sandra Leverette abstained) to approve the selection, expressed confidence about hiring someone with a near lifetime of attachment to the district.
“Before undertaking a costly and time-intensive search process, the board determined that we had several excellent employees with the skills and leadership ability to be our next superintendent,” said Tommy Price, chairman of the board of trustees.
“After carefully considering our needs, the board determined that Mrs. Kelley is the perfect fit for our schools. We are confident she will seamlessly transition to the superintendent’s position and provide the District with transparent and positive leadership.“Brenda, who not only has spent her entire career in our school system but also was raised and educated in our district, is intimately familiar with our schools and community. Having worked in a variety of capacities throughout our system, Brenda was able to present us with intriguing, well-conceived ideas to address the needs of our district and students. Moreover, she has the experience, attitude, and leadership abilities to continue the expected culture of excellence in our district. We are excited to watch how she will flourish in her new role.”
Kelley previously served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Executive Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Instruction, and Deputy Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, all in Dist. 5. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Clemson University, her Masters and Education Specialist Degrees from Furman University, and is completing her Doctor of Education Degree at the University of South Carolina.
Brenda and her husband, David, have three grown children; Houston Kelley (Brantley), Jackson Kelley, and Ashlyn Kelley, all graduates of the district. They also welcomed their first granddaughter, Oaklyn Kelley, in December.