COUNTY — The School District of Pickens County’s board of trustees has named Sharon Messer Huff, principal of Daniel High School, as the district’s assistant superintendent of instructional services. Huff will officially assume her new duties on July 1.
“I’m looking forward to working with Mrs. Huff,” said Dr. Kelly Pew, recently chosen as the district’s new superintendent. “As an administrator in our district for more than ten years, she has gained tremendous respect. She understands the importance of rigorous, relevant instruction in every class from pre-K through 12th grade.
“She is committed to open communication, to building trusting relationships, and to drawing on each other’s strengths and talents as we provide quality educational experiences for all students. She brings these commitments and many outstanding qualities to this position.”
Huff began her career as an English teacher at Lugoff-Elgin High School in 1990 and then moved to Pickens Middle School in 1998. She was also a curriculum assistant at Gettys Middle School before being named assistant principal at Daniel High School in 2002.
She has been principal at Daniel High School since 2005.
“Academically, Daniel High is one of the best-performing high schools in the state, so the selection of Sharon Huff to head up the curriculum department was a natural choice,” SDPC board chair Alex Saitta said. “The school board and Dr. Hunt have focused on promoting from within, and this was another internal promotion. The district has a tremendous amount of internal talent, and we are focused on mining for that talent, training employees and encouraging them to seek management positions in the district.”
“I am honored to accept this role and look forward to working with Dr. Pew, the senior leadership team, our principals and board of trustees to accomplish the instructional goals of our district,” said Huff. “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve and give back to this district. I attended SDPC schools and am proud to be a graduate of Liberty High School.”
Huff earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in 1990 and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in 1997. She has completed all coursework required for a doctorate degree and is now working on her dissertation.
“Our district has all of the necessary ingredients for success — wonderful students and families, top-notch teachers, strong leadership, and supportive communities in every attendance area,” Huff said. “I feel confident that with the combined efforts of our stakeholders, we can accomplish the goal of providing an excellent education for our students at every level.
“Ultimately, all of our students deserve the best preparation for entry into their chosen college and career paths. I am dedicated to delivering this standard of excellence to our students.”
The position of assistant superintendent of instructional services became vacant when Pew was named superintendent in February.
“With mixed emotions, I am leaving my Daniel High School family to accept this new role,” Huff said. “I am blessed to have worked with the Daniel faculty and staff. I have appreciated their support throughout the years and have learned so much from them. I will also miss the daily interactions with the students and families of the Daniel community.
“There are many transitions ahead for Daniel High as the new school opens and a new principal is named. I look forward to assisting the next principal in making these important transitions.”