Principal

Brandon Gantt will take over as principal of Whitesville Elementary following Principal Katie Tai’s retirement. Gantt began his career as a reading interventionist in Newberry, South Carolina in 2011 before transitioning to classroom teacher at Newberry Elementary. He went on to teach third grade in Richland County School District One and then moved to Lexington-Richland District Five to teach fifth grade in 2015. He filled elementary and middle school assistant principal roles between 2016 and 2020 before being named Lexington County School District One’s Employee Development Coordinator in 2021.

Phone: 843-899-8880

Email: ganttb@bcsdschools.net

Assistant Principal

Jessica Coates serves as Assistant Principal at Whitesville Elementary School.  She has 25 years of experience in education, including over 10 years in leadership and administration.  She is energetic and passionate about connecting with students and families.  Ms. Coates has a deep love for curriculum and instruction and takes great joy in supporting every student’s success.  Equity in education is very important to her, and she is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.  Her educational philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and challenging learning environment that empowers every student to reach their full potential.

Ms. Coates is dedicated to making Whitesville Elementary a place where students feel valued, inspired, and equipped for lifelong learning.  She looks forward to continuing to serve the school community with enthusiasm and a steadfast commitment to excellence.  She believes, “Every student deserves a champion who believes in their potential and helps them shine.  When we create a supportive community rooted in respect and opportunity, we unlock the true power of education to transform lives.”

Phone: 843-899-8880

Email: coatesj@bcsdschools.net

Assistant Principal

Sarah O' Neal is a goal-oriented educator with a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Charleston Southern University. Ms. O'Neal is also endorsed to teach Gifted and Talented. Collectively, she has ten years of experience in the classroom, teaching at Whitesville Elementary and Williams Memorial Elementary.

Before joining the school administration team at WES, she served as an instructional coach at Cane Bay Elementary for four years. Through all of these experiences, she's demonstrated the ability to connect with students, parents, and administration to employ data-driven instruction for students to foster academic success.

Phone: 843-899-8880

Email: oneals@bcsdschools.net