Heather Montgomery Named Principal of Hunter Street Elementary
Mrs. Heather Montgomery will assume the role of Principal at Hunter Street Elementary School beginning July 1, 2025. A proud York Comprehensive High School graduate, Mrs. Montgomery brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the position.
She began her career in 2000 as a Special Education teacher at Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School. Over the years, she has served as Assistant Principal at Jefferson Elementary School (2014-2021) and Cotton Belt Elementary School (2021—present), where she led the work of the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Support Team and assisted with discipline, student support services, and professional development.
Mrs. Montgomery holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education (2000) from Winthrop University, a Master of Education in Divergent Learning from Columbia College (2006), and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership (2011) from Arkansas State University.
Jessica Kelly Named Testing Specialist
Mrs. Jessica Kelly will take on the role of Testing Specialist, also effective July 1, 2025.
She began her career in 2012 as a first-grade teacher at Bethany Elementary School in the Clover School District. During her time at Bethany, she also taught 3rd grade. In 2019, Mrs. Kelly assumed the role of Assistant Principal at Griggs Road Elementary, where she currently serves.
Mrs. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from Clemson University (2012) and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Winthrop University (2017). A York resident, she looks forward to bringing her passion for education and leadership to York School District One.
Jessica Koon Named Coordinator of Accountability and Student Information Systems
Mrs. Jessica Koon will transition into the Coordinator of Accountability and Student Data role for the 2025-26 school year. She has served as the Coordinator of Testing and Accountability for the past five (2020—present) years and previously served as Routing Coordinator (2017-2020) for the YSD1 Transportation Department. Mrs. Koon began her career as a Math teacher at Clover High School in 2012.
Mrs. Koon holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics from Clemson University (2011) and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of South Carolina (2016). She is a proud York Comprehensive High School graduate and a lifelong resident of York. She will officially assume her new position on July 1, 2025.
New Assistant Principal Assignments Effective July 1, 2025
Mrs. Kellie Watson will serve as Assistant Principal of Cotton Belt Elementary School.
Mrs. Cassidy Valerino will serve as Assistant Principal of Hickory Grove Sharon Elementary School.
Mrs. Ashley Yon will serve as Assistant Principal of Hunter Street Elementary School
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.