Denita Reavis
Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin announces two administrative changes effective next week. Brett Huffman, who’s been at East Alexander Middle School for nearly two years as principal, is moving to the Student Success Center. Lee Swanson, assistant principal at Alexander Central High School will move to the principalship at EAMS.
The Student Success Center serves as a school home for students who need more support to be successful. The goal of SSC is to transition students back to the child’s traditional school. The school ranges in size from around a dozen students to nearly double that. Huffman says he’s prepared for the move.
“It’s a great opportunity. I think it’s somewhere that I can make an impact and make a difference and help those kids find success. Success isn’t quantifiable in just one scope. Their picture of success is a little different but what their goals are is important to support them to get there,” says Huffman.
Students at SSC have been placed at the site if they experience truancy issues, are academically at-risk, have behavioral problems or other non-traditional needs.
Huffman says he’ll start with day-to-day check-ins with all students to help them be successful.
Relationships with students will also be important to Swanson as he moves over to East.
“I think leadership 101 is the most basic of developing relationships and figuring out what we need to do to be successful. You build relationships with the kids and with the teachers. You learn that from teaching and coaching for 20 years. And we’ll work on that before deciding any next steps,” says Swanson.
Swanson joined Alexander County Schools in the summer of 2023. He says he’s ready for the next challenge.
“I’m super excited to get to East and get started. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the students and staff and can wait to get over there and get to work every day,” says Swanson.
Huffman completed his administrative degree at Gardner Webb University and Swanson received his principal licensing through Queens College.
The administrative moves were put in place after the resignation of Amy Johnson from SSC. Johnson is going to work outside the district at the end of this month.