Press Release
The Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees met May 8, 2023, and approved two current DDTwo administrators to serve as Principals, effective July 1, 2023.
Jennifer Bates will serve as Principal at Dr. Eugene Sires Elementary School, and Dr. Beth Fiorito will serve as Principal at Alston Middle School.
Jennifer Bates (above right)
Mrs. Bates, who currently serves as Assistant Principal at Knightsville Elementary School, has 25 years of education experience, all in DDTwo. Her previous roles have included student teacher at Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary School, 4th and 5th grade, READ 180, and a special education resource teacher at Beech Hill Elementary School, district Elementary Special Education Curriculum Interventionist, Title I Facilitator, and Assistant Principal at Windsor Hill.
Mrs. Bates earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston, her master's degree in Special Education from the University of Charleston, her master's degree in Elementary School Administration and Leadership from Charleston Southern University, and her National Board Certificate as a Middle Childhood Generalist.
“I am honored to have the privilege to serve as the principal of Dr. Eugene Sires Elementary School,” said Mrs. Bates. “I am looking forward to getting to know all the students, staff, families, and community stakeholders to continue to make a positive impact on the community like Dr. Sires did for his Summerville Elementary School community. “
Mrs. Bates resides in Summerville with her husband Alan, their dog Sully, and their two cats Hogan and Houdini.
Dr. Beth Fiorito (right)
Dr. Fiorito, who currently serves as Assistant Principal at Alston Middle School, has 22 years of education experience. Before becoming an assistant principal at Alston, her previous roles have been on the elementary and middle school levels, including teaching 3rd through 5th grade and then 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts and Academic Core Extension (ACE) at DuBose Middle School.
Dr. Fiorito earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina, her master's degree from Cambridge College, her Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, and her National Board Certificate for K-12 Literacy.
“It is my privilege to transition from assistant principal to principal and lead the many talented teachers and students at Alston,” said Dr. Fiorito. “I will continue to provide a supportive climate and culture conducive to teaching and learning where each individual student and teacher can experience growth to their highest potential.”
Dr. Fiorito resides in Summerville with her husband, Jeff, and children, Reese and Campbell, who attend Summerville High School.
Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins said, “For these two vacancies we interviewed 15 people, which included 10 internal applicants. This reflects the high-quality administrators within our schools and supports our vision of preparing them for the next step in leadership. Our interview committee for these positions featured a cross-section of perspectives and feedback. I had the pleasure of meeting with both individuals before making the recommendation to the Board, and I am excited to see the difference these leaders will make for their schools' students and families.”
