News Summary
The Greenwood County School District 50 community is in shock as two beloved employees, Matt Baker and Dana Worthy, depart from Mathews Elementary. Baker, known as the assistant principal and head baseball coach, and Worthy, a special education assistant, have both made significant contributions to the school. Their departures mark a notable transition for the school, where the community reflects on their legacies and looks forward to new leadership.
Greenwood Bids Farewell to Two Mathews Elementary Employees
In a surprising twist for the Mathews Elementary family in Greenwood County School District 50, two familiar faces have left the district. The word on the street is that Matt Baker, the former assistant principal, and Dana Worthy, a beloved special education assistant, are officially no longer part of the school. This change takes effect as of Monday, marking the end of an era for both the staff and students.
Matt Baker’s Departure
Matt Baker has been a staple in the Greenwood community since 2007, taking on various roles throughout his remarkable journey in education. From his early days as a teacher to his climb to the position of assistant principal, he has made quite an impact. Notably, Baker served as the head baseball coach at Greenwood High, where he was highly respected.
Describing his recent role, Baker was involved with the baseball program, initially as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach during the 2016-17 season. With Baker’s leadership, the team saw its fair share of successes, and he was not just a coach, but a mentor to many young athletes.
Now, according to the district spokesperson, Baker’s departure is attributed to “personal reasons.” His absence will surely leave a void at Mathews Elementary as staff and students come to grips with the transition.
Changes in Leadership
As the district searches for new assistant principals, including for the role at Mathews, they have not determined any immediate plans for an interim assistant principal. However, in an exciting turn of events for the baseball team, Chase Pridgen, currently serving as an assistant coach, has been appointed as the interim head coach. This could bring a fresh perspective to the team as they navigate through these changes.
The Meeting with the Baseball Team
A meeting took place on the same day as Baker’s departure, where the varsity baseball team gathered to discuss the new developments with Athletic Director Sparky Hudson. The news has undoubtedly stirred a mix of emotions within the team, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt under new leadership as the season progresses.
Goodbye to a Familiar Face
Alongside Baker, Dana Worthy has also stepped away from her position at Mathews Elementary. As a special education assistant, she had built strong relationships with students and held a significant role in their educational journey. Her departure, effective also this Monday, adds to the changes happening within the school.
The Community’s Reaction
As news of these departures settles in, the community’s response has been one of surprise. Many remember Baker fondly for his commitment and dedication to the school and its students. Likewise, Worthy’s loving nature and support for students in need will be greatly missed.
Though change can be difficult, it also brings new opportunities. Both Baker and Worthy leave behind a legacy of care and commitment to education at Mathews Elementary. The school is now entering a new chapter, with an open door for new talent and energy that can contribute positively to the educational environment.
What’s Next?
The transition is just beginning. As the district embraces the upcoming recruitment for new leadership, parents and students alike will be watching closely for who will step into the shoes left vacant by these two valued employees. The hope is to find individuals who can bring their enthusiasm and skills to enrich the school community.
As everyone settles into these changes, the spirit of Mathews Elementary remains strong. And although Baker and Worthy have moved on, their contributions to the school will not be forgotten. Here’s to new beginnings and the bright future ahead for Mathews Elementary and everyone connected to it.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leadership Changes at Mathews Elementary School
Additional Resources
- NWA Online: Greenwood High School Principal Presents New Committee
- Wikipedia: Greenwood County School District 50
- Fox Carolina: Greenville County Schools Assess Damage
- Google Search: Greenwood School District news
- Index Journal: Greenwood School District 50 Passes Budget
- Google Scholar: Greenwood School District
- Ridgefield Press: Ridgefield CT School Salaries for Administrators
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States
- News West 9: Greenwood ISD Moving to Four-Day School Weeks
- Google News: Latest School News
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
