Former interim principal and longtime assistant administrator Chad Raynor succeeds Cassy Young, who was appointed the district’s coordinator of support staff.
IRMO — School District Five has appointed Chad Raynor as the new principal of Piney Woods Elementary School. Raynor replaces Cassy Young, who was recently named the district’s coordinator of support staff.
Raynor has served as interim principal at Piney Woods for the past two months. He said the experience reinforced his appreciation for the school community and its commitment to students.
“I am deeply grateful and truly honored to be named the principal of Piney Woods Elementary School,” Raynor said. “Serving as interim principal has been a rewarding and humbling experience. Piney Woods is a special place because of the passionate educators and staff who create an enthusiastic, inclusive, and welcoming environment. I look forward to continuing our work together to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging learning community where every student can reach their full potential.”
Raynor brings more than a decade of administrative experience to the role. He previously spent eight years as an assistant principal at Leaphart Elementary School and served as assistant principal at Dutch Fork Middle School from 2010 to 2017. He was recently named a finalist for South Carolina Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.
Superintendent Akil E. Ross, Sr. praised Raynor’s leadership and dedication.
“Mr. Raynor brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to fostering a positive learning environment for students, teachers, staff, and the school community,” Ross said. “We are thankful for his continued leadership and are confident Piney Woods Elementary School will continue to thrive under his supervision.”
