Dr. Marquice Clark, principal of Cleveland Academy of Leadership in Spartanburg School District 7, was named 2025 South Carolina Elementary Principal of the Year on November 25, 2024 by The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). He was surrounded by colleagues, family, and friends from across the state and from all chapters of his life during the surprise announcement.
Dr. Quincie Moore, Executive Director of SCASA, announced the honor. “Dr. Clark has truly revolutionized The Cleveland Academy of Leadership. By reducing discipline referrals and dramatically improving academic proficiency—raising proficiency in ELA from 20% to 52%, math from 13% to 58%, and science from 7% to 55%—he has demonstrated that transformative leadership can yield significant results,” she said. “Under Dr. Clark’s leadership, Cleveland Academy earned their first-ever ‘Excellent’ SC School Report Card rating since the creation of the school in 1999, with sustained success garnering a back-to-back ‘Excellent’ rating this year. His holistic approach, focusing on whole-child initiatives, community engagement, and data-driven strategies, has not just improved test scores, but fundamentally changed the trajectory of his students’ lives.”
Superintendent Jeff Stevens of Spartanburg School District Seven added, “Dr. Clark is an exemplary leader for the Cleveland Academy. His deep understanding of our children’s needs drives his commitment to providing each one with the individualized support they deserve. Where others may see challenges, Dr. Clark sees possibilities; and his innovative approach ensures Cleveland meets the needs of families in ways that go far beyond a typical school community. His collaborative leadership unites Cleveland’s families and staff, creating a culture of shared success. As a ‘Beating the Odds School,’ Cleveland defies expectations about high-poverty schools, achieving what many once deemed impossible.”
Dr. Clark was selected from an outstanding field of administrator candidates by a veteran panel of judges. The criteria used in the selection of this award are set by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. He was nominated by his colleague from The Cleveland Academy, Alanda Posey, who serves as curriculum and instruction administrator.
SCASA, the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, has more than 5,500 members. From professional development opportunities and research to publications and legislative advocacy, SCASA’s focus is to support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina’s young people. As a state affiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA also works on the national level.
