Two Rock Hill Schools administrators will move into new positions this summer after Superintendent Kelly Pew announced appointments for John Kirell and Kevin Hood.
John KirellKirell, who has spent the past 8 years as principal at Belleview and 17 total in Rock Hill Schools, has been named the new principal of Castle Heights Middle School. He replaces Kelly Kane, who has served the students, staff, and Castle Heights community for the past 24 years first as an assistant principal and then principal.
Earlier this year, Kirell was recognized by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children as its principal of the year.
Kirell, who has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Winthrop University, is excited about the opportunity to join the Castle Heights staff.
“The school has a long history of success academically, athletically, and its support of the arts. I am encouraged by the support the district is going to provide to continue moving the school in a positive direction,” he said.
Replacing Kirell at Belleview is Kevin Hood, who for the past two years has been an assistant principal at India Hook Elementary.
Kevin HoodHood has worked in public education for 21 years, including nine years as principal of Hunter Street Elementary in York, S.C. At Hunter Street, he managed a Title I school with more than 850 students and 85 employees that twice earned a Palmetto Gold designation from the South Carolina Department of Education. He previously worked as an assistant principal at Castle Heights for six years.
He holds degrees from the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University.
“Having over 10 years of elementary administration experience, I want to carry on the great programs and initiatives started by Mr. Kirell and see Belleview continue to grow and reach new heights,” he said.
Hood looks forward to the opportunity to work with the Belleview Elementary faculty, staff, students, parents, and community.
Kirell and Hood will begin their new positions on July 1.