News Summary
Recent changes at Mathews Elementary School include the departure of assistant principal Matt Baker and special education assistant Dana Worthy. Baker’s exit, effective immediately, has raised questions in the community, as he was beloved as an educator and head coach. In response, Chase Pridgen has been appointed interim head coach for the baseball team, ensuring stability. Meanwhile, the district is actively seeking new hires to fill the vacant positions, making it a time of transformation and adjustment for the school community.
Change in Leadership at Mathews Elementary
Greenwood, a community known for its commitment to education, has recently seen some changes at Mathews Elementary School that have left many people talking. It was announced that two employees from the school are no longer with Greenwood County School District 50. The news came as a surprise to many, as the district has been a staple in the community.
Matt Baker’s Departure
Among those who have left is Matt Baker, who had been serving as the assistant principal at Mathews and was also the head baseball coach at Greenwood High. He had been part of the district since 2007, contributing both as a teacher and as an administrator. Baker’s departure took effect on Monday, leaving many to wonder about the circumstances surrounding his exit, which has been attributed to personal reasons.
Baker took on the role of head coach for the baseball team in the 2016-17 season after spending several years as an assistant coach. His journey included a position as an assistant principal at Northside in 2022 before moving to Mathews Elementary. His experience and dedication to the students and staff stirred a sense of responsibility and connection within the community. However, he has now decided to move on, leaving many in the district wishing him well in his future endeavors.
Assistant Coaches Step Up
With Baker’s departure, the district has fortunately taken swift action to ensure stability within the baseball program. Chase Pridgen, currently an assistant baseball coach, has been named the interim head coach. This decision assures that the team will continue smooth operations during this transition period, and players can focus on their upcoming season without further disruption. An informative meeting was held on Monday with the baseball team and Athletic Director Sparky Hudson to share the news and outline the way forward.
Changes in the Special Education Team
In addition to Baker’s departure, the district has also announced that Dana Worthy, a special education assistant at Mathews, is no longer employed by District 50. Like Baker, her employment ended on the same day, prompting a sense of change not just for the faculty but for the students as well.
Future Hiring Plans
With these significant changes, the district is actively working on hiring new assistant principals for various schools, including Mathews. While this new hiring process is underway, there are no immediate plans to appoint an interim assistant principal for Mathews. The school community remains hopeful that the district will find the right candidates who can bring passion and dedication to their educational environment.
Looking Ahead
The unfolding changes at Mathews Elementary School and within Greenwood County School District 50 remind us that schools are constantly evolving spaces, shaped by the people who inhabit them. As the community navigates these transitions, parents, students, and staff are left to consider the future, weighing the impact these changes will have on their daily lives.
While change can sometimes be unsettling, it also brings opportunities for new beginnings and fresh perspectives. As the Greenwood community rallies around its schools and supports each other, it will undoubtedly adapt and thrive in the face of these new challenges.
In the coming days and weeks, the spotlight will be on Mathews Elementary School, and many will be watching eagerly to see how these changes unfold, who will fill the vacant positions, and how the students will continue on their educational journeys with support and guidance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Matt Baker No Longer with Greenwood District 50
- Fox Carolina: Greenwood School District 50 Announces Changes
- River Valley Democrat Gazette: Greenwood School Board to Discuss Upcoming
- Northwest Arkansas Online: Greenwood School District Student
- WSPA: Upstate School District to Do Away with Musical Theatre Class
- Wikipedia: Greenwood County School District 50
- Google Search: Greenwood School District 50
- Google Scholar: Greenwood County Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational System
- Google News: Greenwood Schools
