“Richland School District Two has a strong tradition of excellence and innovation in education. I am truly honored to be selected for this position,” Dr. Floyd said. “I am excited to lead and eager to serve as principal of E. L. Wright Middle School.”
Dr. Thomas says his hiring as principal of Richland Northeast High School is really a homecoming. He began his teaching career as an earth science teacher at W. C. Sullivan Middle School in Rock Hill in 1999. He joined Richland Two in 2003 and spent the next 20 years teaching and leading in the district. Dr. Thomas began at Richland Northeast High School as a biology and physical science teacher before transitioning to an assistant administrator. He was an assistant principal at Blythewood Middle School for seven years and then an assistant principal at Ridge View High School from 2013 to 2020. In 2020, Dr. Thomas left the district to become principal at Lamar High School in Darlington County. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology education from South Carolina State University and a master’s of education degree in secondary education with a concentration in biology. He also earned an educational specialist degree in educational administration
and supervision and a Doctor of Education in educational administration and supervision from South Carolina State University. He replaces Mark Sims who will become the district ombudsman.
“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve as principal of Richland Northeast High School. It’s a beautiful feeling to return to the school where I served as a classroom teacher and administrator,” Dr. Thomas said. “I am grateful to once again be a part of a community that provides challenging academic opportunities that advance positive individual growth and prepare responsible global citizens for a post-secondary education, military, or career readiness.”
Tameka Nicholson is another homegrown school leader. Between 2007 and 2015, Nicholson taught English at Richland Northeast High, Longleaf Middle and Blythewood Middle schools before leaving to work for two years with the Caro-
