Six Key Leadership Appointments Announced
Richland School District Two is announcing the selection of six proven, exceptional educational leaders to key school and district administrative roles.
Dr. Robert L. Carswell — Principal, Joseph Keels Elementary School
Dr. Robert L. Carswell has been appointed principal of Joseph Keels Elementary School, where he has served as assistant principal since 2020. With nine years of experience as an award-winning educator, Dr. Carswell previously taught at Lake Carolina Elementary School in Richland Two and Kelly Miller Elementary School in Fairfield, SC, where he was named Teacher of the Year. He is also the founder of the Tied 2 Success mentoring program. Dr. Carswell earned his Doctor of Educational Leadership and Master of Educational Leadership from Wingate University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Clemson University.
Dr. Paul T. Dobyns — Principal, Spring Valley High School
Dr. Paul T. Dobyns brings deep institutional knowledge and leadership experience back to Spring Valley High School, where he previously served as assistant administrator (2016–2018), assistant principal (2018–2022), and Health Science/Sports Medicine teacher and Head Athletic Trainer (2007–2016). Most recently, Dr. Dobyns served as the Assistant Director of the Newberry County Career Center and principal of Mid-Carolina Middle School. He holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University, a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Appalachian State University.
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Jessica L. Holley — Principal, Center for Knowledge (CFK) and CFK North Jessica L. Holley has been named principal of the Center for Knowledge and Center for Knowledge North after serving as the CFK campus assistant principal since 2018. An educator with over 20 years of experience, Holley previously served Richland School District Two as an elementary Gifted & Talented teacher and Primary ALERT Team Lead. A National Board Certified Teacher, she earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina. Alison L. Whisenant — Principal, Round Top Elementary School Alison L. Whisenant transitions to the role of principal at Round Top Elementary School following her tenure as the school’s assistant principal since 2022. During her leadership as assistant principal, Whisenant contributed to Round Top Elementary earning an Excellent School Report Card Rating and achieving top-tier ELA academic growth. Previously, she served as the Curriculum Effectiveness Specialist at Muller Road Middle School and Language Arts teacher at Blythewood Middle School, where she was named Teacher of the Year. A National Board Certified Teacher, Whisenant holds a Master of Education in Education Administration and a Master of Education in Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina, alongside a Bachelor of Science from Auburn New District Administrative AppointmentsAlvera C. Butler — Ombudsman Alvera C. Butler has been selected as the new District Ombudsman. A visionary leader with 30 years in education, Butler has served as principal of Joseph Keels Elementary School since July 2011. Her extensive leadership background in Richland Two also includes serving as assistant principal at Conder Elementary Arts Integrated Magnet School and as an orchestra teacher at Blythewood Middle School and Ridge View High School. A 2026 SCASA Elementary Principal of the Year Finalist and National Board Certified Teacher, Butler holds a Master of Education in Education Administration and a Bachelor of Music from the University of South Carolina. Jeffrey E. Temoney — Executive Director of Instructional Extensions and Support Jeffrey E. Temoney has been named Executive Director of Instructional Extensions and Support following a distinguished tenure as principal of Spring Valley High School since July 2014. With over two decades of leadership experience in school administration and counseling, Temoney’s career in Richland Two also includes serving as principal of Kelly Mill Middle School and assistant principal of Blythewood High School. Under his leadership at Spring Valley, the school earned top U.S. News & World Report rankings and numerous Magnet Schools of America recognitions. He earned an Educational Specialist degree, two Master of Education degrees in Educational Administration and Counselor Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. |