Two West Ashley Principals honored by CCSD for their dedication to their respective schools
from Staff Reports
Charleston County School District (CCSD) recently recognized seven Star Principals of the Year for 2024-2025. Several of them have ties to West Ashley, including Andy Brandt of West Ashley High School, Megan Williams of Springfield Elementary School, and LaCarma McMillan of St. James-Santee Elementary-Middle School, who had previously served as principal of West Ashley Advanced Studies Magnet for six years and an assistant principal at West Ashley Middle before that.
All seven principals who were honored were nominated by their peers and selected through a competitive application process based on their leadership and work to improve student outcomes and implement strategic change.
“Our Star Principals demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and creativity, making a lasting impact on students, staff, and the community,” said CCSD superintendent Anita Huggins. “We are blessed to have them as leaders in CCSD and are extremely proud to celebrate their outstanding achievements!”
In his first year at West Ashley High School, Dr. Andrew Brandt received the honor of “Star Rookie Principal of the Year.” Brandt has been a dedicated educational leader in CCSD for 12 years, previously serving as associate principal, lead assistant principal, and assistant principal at WAHS, as well as assistant principal at Morningside Middle School. He holds a Doctorate in Education Systems Improvement Science from Clemson University, along with advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Secondary Administration from The Citadel, and a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Brandt’s achievements include The Citadel’s Charles E. Hirshey Award, being named Morningside Middle School Teacher of the Year, and receiving recognition for CCSD’s Teacher of the Month.
Springfield Elementary School’s principal Megan Williams was named as the “Elementary School Star Principal of the Year.” Williams was appointed principal of Springfield in 2018 after serving as interim principal during the 2017-18 school year. She began her career as a fifth-grade teacher at Charles Pinckney Elementary for eight years before moving to Stono Park Elementary, where she taught and served as lead teacher. Williams then transitioned to Springfield Elementary, serving as assistant principal for five years. Known for fostering collective efficacy and championing student success, she works closely with teachers to ensure their needs are met.
Williams holds a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Clemson University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from The Citadel.
Other Charleston County principals receiving “Star” honors included Chas Coker of Wando High School, James Dallas of E.B. Ellington Elementary School, LaCarma McMillan of St. James-Santee Elementary-Middle School, Barrett Reese of CCSD Early College High School, and Monica Smalls of Chicora Elementary School. All Principals will be honored alongside Teachers of the Year at this year’s black-tie gala event on March 1.
