By Betsy Finklea
Several administrative changes are coming to the Latta Schools next year with the most notable being a new principal at Latta High School, according to Superintendent Dr. John Kirby.
Leigh Sloan will be taking over as the new principal of Latta High School having been promoted from her position as Assistant Principal for Instruction for Latta Middle School and Latta High School, where she has served the past five years.  “This was the most critical change we are making for the next year in the district,” said Dr. Kirby.  “Leigh was part of the temporary transition team led by Principal Debra Morris that we needed in bringing the fifth grade to the middle school from the old elementary school.” said Dr. Kirby.  “That transition has been very effective and is no longer needed due to its great success.”
Sloan is a graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School in Cayce, S. C.  She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of South Carolina.  She received her master’s degree in secondary counseling from the University of South Carolina, an education specialist degree in elementary counseling from the University of South Carolina, and a master’s degree in education leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Sloan has worked as a school counselor in public and private schools in Dillon County since 1996 and became the school counselor at Latta Middle School in 2003.  In 2010, she was voted as the Dillon District Three Teacher of the Year.
“I am honored to lead the faculty and staff of Latta High School as we strive to prepare students for the challenges of college and career.  I am dedicated to continuing the excellence of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, furthering fine arts offerings, preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math, and ensuring every student is prepared for future challenges. It is true…it takes a village to raise our children…and I am proud to be a part of the Latta community, where everyone contributes to the success of our students.  I appreciated everyone who has encouraged and supported my development as an educator,” said Sloan.
Sloan replaces George Liebenrood who is moving to the district office.  Liebenrood will serve as the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Student Services due to the retirements of Esther Rogers, the current Director of Instruction and Federal Programs, and Martha Heyward, who was already partially retired and was serving as Director of Student Services.  Liebenrood is taking over the duties of both positions.
Other changes include the promotion of the current school psychologist to the Director of Exceptional Children.  Denise Gallant resigned from the position because she is relocating to Pawley’s Island.  Chris German is moving from Latta Middle School to Latta high School where he will be the career facilitator.  Dr. Kirby said “this was necessitated to re-establish our student co-op program with businesses and industries and ramp up our commitment to high school students being better prepared and having direct work experiences in their chosen career fields.”
Another change is Virginia Foreman, a current Latta Middle School teacher, has been promoted to take over the guidance duties that Chris German was handling at Latta Middle School.