Administration

Welcome to Barnwell Elementary, Home of the Mighty Mustangs!

As I begin my 32nd year in public education, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the journey so far. With a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina-Aiken, along with a Master's Degree and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Cambridge College, I have had the privilege of working at various levels within the educational system—classroom, school, district, and state.  I must admit that working with the Barnwell Elementary Community has been the highlight of my career.

As your principal, my mission is to build strong, meaningful connections with our students, parents, and community. Together, we will continue to cultivate a school culture that motivates and empowers students, faculty, and staff to achieve their fullest potential.

While I don’t have children of my own, I enjoy spending time with and spoiling my nieces, nephews and two cats. In my free time, you’ll find me reading, traveling, fishing, and cherishing moments with family and friends.

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to me at kgooding@bcsd.net or 803-709-4127. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead with all of you!

I am excited to extend my warmest greetings to all of you as we embark on an exciting new academic year at Barnwell Elementary.  I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal here. I reside in the heart of Neeses, South Carolina, and find joy in various pursuits, such as playing piano, cooking, and swimming.

As I begin this 15th year of my educational journey, I am thrilled to share my passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a vibrant learning environment. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching students from pre-K through 4th grade, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs and challenges of each developmental stage.

Beyond the classroom, I actively contribute to our community as the music director at our home church in Neeses, where I am committed to uplifting spirits through the power of music.

My educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Claflin University, where I honed my foundational teaching skills. Additionally, I pursued my Master's degree in Educational Leadership and a Master's in Science degree in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University, allowing me to stay at the forefront of modern teaching methodologies and innovative educational practices.

As we set forth on this new academic journey together, I am enthusiastic about collaborating with each one of you to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. Your dedication and support are instrumental in shaping the futures of our young learners, and I wholeheartedly welcome your ideas, insights, and active participation.

Please know that my door is always open for discussions, feedback, and collaboration. Together, we can create a brighter and more promising future for our students, empowering them to achieve greatness and make a positive impact on our community and beyond.

I eagerly anticipate an enriching and successful academic year filled with growth, learning, and joy. Mission Possible! Thank you for being an essential part of our school family, and I look forward to building strong partnerships with all our stakeholders.