On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees approved the Superintendent’s recommendation to name Mrs. Lauren Corn as Executive Director of Secondary Instruction, effective July 1, 2026. Mrs. Corn currently serves as Principal of Pickens High School and will transition into the district-level role at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. The Executive Director of Secondary Instruction position has been vacant since the end of the 2024-25 school year.

In her new role, Mrs. Corn will provide leadership and support for secondary instructional programs across the district, working closely with principals, instructional leaders, and district departments to ensure alignment with district goals and state expectations.

Mrs. Corn brings extensive experience in secondary education, having served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Since becoming principal of Pickens High School, she has focused on strengthening instructional systems, supporting staff collaboration, and building structures to support student success at the secondary level.

“Mrs. Corn has a strong background in secondary instruction and leadership,” said Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck. “Her experience at the school level and her understanding of secondary programs will be valuable as she steps into this district role.”

Mrs. Corn holds a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision (Secondary) and an endorsement in Educational Administration and Supervision (Elementary) from Southern Wesleyan University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She also holds an endorsement in Special Education – Learning Disabilities.

The search for the next principal of Pickens High School will begin immediately, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.