New administrative hires within the public schools

At its regularly scheduled board meeting held on June 6, 2022, the School District of Oconee County Board of Trustees approved the hiring of several new administrative positions.  Dr. Thorsland said, “These individuals have already made a positive impact in our district and we look forward to their continued impact as they assume their new roles.”

Philip Price, an Oconee native and West-Oak High graduate, will move from his current assistant principal position to the role of Chief Technology Officer.  Mr. Price holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Anderson University and an Education Specialist Degree from Arkansas State University. Mr. Price worked with the SDOC Technology department for several years before transitioning to the classroom where he taught for three years before becoming an assistant principal.  He and his wife, Lydia, who is also an SDOC educator, have two sons, Andrew and Thomas.

Mr. Price said, “I look forward to the opportunity to serve our students, staff, and families.  The technology team has accomplished amazing things in the past few years; it will be a privilege to rejoin them as we continue moving the district forward.”

Paige Lowe, an Oconee native and Seneca High graduate, will move from her current assistant principal position at Westminster Elementary to join the administrative team at Northside Elementary School. Mrs. Lowe holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of South Carolina and Master’s of Arts degree from Furman University. Before becoming an assistant principal, Mrs. Lowe taught for seven years at James M. Brown Elementary. She and her husband, Tyler, have two sons, Henry and Guy.

Mrs. Lowe said, “I’m excited to return to my roots and join the Bobcat family.I look forward to working with the Northside team in order to positively impact instruction and enrich the lives of our students. I want to thank Westminster Elementary’s faculty, staff and families for their tremendous support over the years. It has been a blessing to work alongside so many talented, compassionate, hardworking educators.”

Mr. Brad Siedschlag, will transition from a special education classroom to assistant principal at James M. Brown Elementary School.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History, his Masters in Teaching in Special Education, and Masters in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. Mr. Siedschlag also proudly holds a Masters in Teaching with an emphasis in STEAM Education from Clemson University. Mr. Siedschlag has 8 years of teaching experience and 8 years serving as a school administrator. Originally from West Columbia, SC, Brad now lives in the West Union community with his wife Georgia and their three children, Isabel, Kylie, and Greta.

Mr. Siedschlag said, “I am very excited to have this opportunity to serve at James M. Brown Elementary. I look forward to working with the teachers and staff as we will work to educate and put students first in all we do.”