Two new administrators approved for Florence 1 Schools for 2024-2025 school year

Two experienced Florence 1 Schools educators will become lead administrators in the 2024-2025 school year after they were approved during the May board of trustees meeting.

Tiffany Matthews will serve as Principal of Lester Elementary School, after serving as assistant principal of Williams Middle School since 2022. Matthews has worked in various positions in Florence 1 since 2014, including assistant principal, teacher, and classroom management consultant. 

Matthews has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Francis Marion University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Coastal Carolina University and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, Principalship, from Arkansas State University.

“It is an honor to be selected as the new Principal of Lester Elementary School,” Matthews said. “I am thrilled to join the Lester family and begin working with the faculty, staff, students and community to successfully support student growth and achievement.” 

Danielle O'Neal, currently the Literacy Coach at Wallace-Gregg Elementary School, will become the Director of School Readiness in the 2024-2025 school year, overseeing the district’s two Child Development Centers. 

O’Neal has worked in Florence 1 since 2006, serving as both a kindergarten and first-grade teacher prior to her current role as Literacy Coach. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Francis Marion University and a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Columbia College.

“Early Childhood Education has always been a passion of mine and I cannot think of a better way to serve the students and families in our community than to be at the child development level,” O’Neal said. “This is where I believe we foster a love of learning, as well as build strong foundations to ensure success for students throughout their school careers. I am thrilled about the opportunity to serve in this new role and truly believe the best is yet to come!

Florence 1 Schools Superintendent Richard O’Malley said that Matthews and O’Neal will be great additions to the district’s administrative team.

“I am excited for Ms. Matthews and Ms. O’Neal to begin in these new roles this summer,” O’Malley said. “Their vast experience within our district will lead them well as they step into the roles at Lester and our early childhood program.”