Aiken County Public School District is proud to announce Misty McConnell as the new Principal of Redcliffe Elementary School. A passionate, student-centered educator and lifelong member of the Jackson community, McConnell brings more than a decade of instructional and leadership experience to her new role—and a uniquely personal connection to Redcliffe. She has been a student, teacher, and parent at the school she now has the honor of leading as principal.
“Coming home to Redcliffe is such an amazing blessing and honor,” McConnell shared. “This school has always been part of my story, and I am excited to lead and give back to the community that gave so much to me.”
McConnell began her career in Aiken County Public Schools as a long-term substitute at Warrenville Elementary before joining Redcliffe, where she spent eight years teaching third and fifth grades. She later served as Assistant Principal at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary and most recently at Aiken Elementary, gaining valuable leadership experience in diverse school communities. “Working in three different schools and communities has taught me so much,” she said. “Each experience reinforced the importance of building strong community ties, and I’m bringing those lessons home to Redcliffe.”
Recognized for her excellence as both an educator and a leader, McConnell was named Aiken County Public School District’s Teacher of the Year in 2020–21. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from USC Aiken and a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. She is LETRS certified, a National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) Certified Evaluator, and has led professional development for teachers across the district. Her leadership roles have included serving on the district’s Strategic Planning Committee, mentoring student interns, supporting military-connected students, and partnering with USC Aiken’s Teaching Fellows Program.
Born and raised in Jackson, McConnell is a proud graduate of Redcliffe Elementary, Jackson Middle, and Silver Bluff High School. “The teachers and community here shaped me into the educator I am today,” she said. “My family and I still live in this area, and I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, staff, and families. I’m excited to support our teachers and watch our students grow and thrive.”
McConnell will officially transition into her new role as Principal by the end of September. Her experience, community roots, and love for Redcliffe make her uniquely prepared to guide the school into its next chapter of growth and success.