Liberty Elementary School

The School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees approved Dr. Lisa Cassidy as the next principal of Liberty Elementary School at a called board meeting on March 16, 2026. Her appointment will take effect July 1, 2026.

Dr. Cassidy currently serves as principal of Liberty Middle School, a position she has held since 2017. Her transition to Liberty Elementary comes at her request, reflecting both her background in Elementary Education and her desire to continue serving students and families in the Liberty community.

"Dr. Cassidy is a respected leader who understands the Liberty community and is deeply committed to student success," said Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck. "Her experience as both an elementary and middle school leader positions her well to strengthen the connection between our Liberty Area schools and ensure students continue to thrive as they move from elementary to middle school and beyond."

With more than two decades of experience in public education, Dr. Cassidy has served as a teacher, instructional assistant principal at both the elementary and middle school levels, district administrator, and principal. She holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina and has built a reputation for strong instructional leadership, collaborative relationships with staff and families, and a commitment to student success.

During her tenure at Liberty Middle School, Dr. Cassidy led significant improvements in school climate, culture, and community engagement. She has worked closely with staff to build a strong learning environment for students while also strengthening connections with families and the Liberty community. In 2025, under Dr. Cassidy's leadership, Liberty Middle earned its first-ever Excellent rating on the SC State Report Card. She has also focused on supporting a smooth transition for students moving from elementary school into middle school and building strong collaboration among Liberty Area schools.

"I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to continue serving the Liberty community in this new role," said Dr. Cassidy. "Liberty Middle School has been a special place for me, and I look forward to continuing to pour into our students, families, and staff while helping strengthen the transition from elementary to middle school. I'm also eager to continue collaborating with the outstanding principals across the Liberty area as we work together to ensure every student experiences a strong, connected journey from their earliest school years through graduation. Liberty is a remarkable community, and I am honored to keep supporting its schools and students in this new capacity."

Dr. Cassidy will succeed Dr. Lowell Haynes, who recently shared his plans to transition to a role within the district's alternative education program beginning in the fall of 2026. Dr. Haynes has served the Liberty Elementary community for 23 years, first as an assistant principal and, for the past 17 years, as principal. The School District of Pickens County expresses its deep appreciation to Dr. Haynes for his dedicated service and lasting contributions to Liberty Elementary and the Liberty community.