Richland School District Two has named Benjara Elliott principal-elect of Blythewood High School, effective January 1, 2027. Elliott, who currently serves as the school’s assistant principal of instruction, will become principal effective July 1, 2027.
Elliott has served on Blythewood High School’s administrative team since 2018, first as an assistant administrator and then as an assistant principal before assuming the assistant principal of instruction role in July 2025. That experience includes leading instructional planning, supporting teacher development and overseeing programs that help students prepare for life after high school.
In the current role, Elliott leads schoolwide instructional systems, including master scheduling, teacher collaboration and professional development. Responsibilities also include managing instructional resources, supporting instructional coaches and teacher leaders, and overseeing the School Counseling Department.
Elliott began teaching science in Calhoun County Schools during the 2006–2007 school year before joining E.L. Wright Middle School in 2007. During 11 years at E.L. Wright, Elliott taught science and served as a sixth-grade lead teacher and science department chair, supporting instructional planning and teacher growth.
Elliott earned three degrees from South Carolina State University: a Bachelor of Science in biology, a Master of Arts in Teaching in general science and an Educational Specialist degree in educational administration and leadership. Elliot also completed the Richland Two Assistant Principal Institute and presented at South Carolina Association of School Administrators conferences in 2022 and 2023.
Ralph Schmidt will continue serving as principal of Blythewood High School through June 30, 2027, with the principal-elect transition period providing time for collaboration, continuity in school leadership and preparation for Elliot to assume the principal role on July 1.