Johnston, SC – Sara-Beth Brown has lived in the North Augusta community for nearly two decades. Now she will again have the opportunity to serve students and families in her home community as well.

Brown’s appointment as principal of Merriwether Elementary School for the 2023-2024 school year was approved by members of the Edgefield County Board of Education on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

“Sara-Beth has a wealth of knowledge and experience at the elementary level, and we are excited to welcome her to the Edgefield County School District family,” stated ECSD Superintendent, Dr. Kevin O’Gorman. “This will be a homecoming for her and a return to the North Augusta area professionally, so we’re very happy for Sara-Beth and her family.”  

“I’m really excited to be back in the community where I live and to have the opportunity to be closer to my family,” commented Brown. “I’ve lived in the North Augusta area for a long time and know a lot of people in the Merriwether community as well, so to have the opportunity to be back home is something I’m really happy about.”

Brown has served as principal of Chukker Creek Elementary School for the past three years.

She says serving as a building leader during the global pandemic was a valuable experience and a reminder that even the starkest challenges may be overcome if you keep the focus on meeting the needs of students first.

“The most important thing is meeting the needs of all of your students,” commented Brown. “No matter what you may face, even the most extreme challenges can be overcome. You may have to think outside of the box sometimes, but there is always a way to get things done in the best interest of the students.”

She also served as an assistant principal at Byrd Elementary School in Graniteville and Hammond Hill Elementary School in North Augusta prior to accepting the role as principal. Brown began her career as a classroom teacher at Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary in Ridge Spring and Mossy Creek Elementary School in North Augusta.

Her educational background includes a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership (Augusta State University); and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education (Clemson University). Brown was named Robert E. Alexander Outstanding K-12 Administrator of the Year in 2022.

“I am excited about this opportunity and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone,” added Brown.  

Brown will begin in her new role as principal at Merriwether Elementary School in July.