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Russell Mahaffey Named High School Principal
Russell Mahaffey HPA

 
July 21, 2021
 
SPARTANBURG, SC – High Point Academy (HPA) is pleased to announce the selection of veteran educator and coach Russell Mahaffey as its new high school principal. Mahaffey is currently the assistant principal at Woodruff Middle School, where he has served the district since 2014 as an administrator, teacher, and coach. Mahaffey’s 28 years of experience in education and leadership includes positions with Spartanburg District 7, Swofford Career Center, and Landrum High School in Spartanburg District 1, where he also coached football and led a state championship track team.
 
Superintendent Brian Sherman says Mahaffey will solidify HPA’s leadership team and play a key role in the launch of a much-anticipated new school year. “It is an unparalleled time in education, and we take very seriously the trust parents are placing in us to help students adjust to a new normal. Russell has the expertise to formulate a plan to get every student up to speed – or as a coach would say – back in the game!”

Mahaffey, who lives in Inman, says he was drawn to High Point Academy for its unique offerings for students. He is planning for growth during the 2021-2022 school year. “While many public schools across the nation are seeing a decline in enrollment, HPA will kick-off the school year with a record number of students. That’s exciting! Parents are drawn to what is different at High Point Academy. Like Mr. Sherman who joined HPA in July, I want to be a part of that – and prepare these students for life beyond K-12 education – whether that’s college – or a career in the service industry. Opportunities like the drone class or Adobe Photoshop certification can give our kids an edge in the real world – even before graduation.”
 
Mahaffey earned a Master of Education at Converse College and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education/Social Studies from the University of South Carolina. He and his wife have a daughter, Christen, 21, and a son, Dalton, 16. He is an active member of Holly Springs Baptist Church where he serves as a Sunday school teacher and deacon. Mahaffey replaces Cameron Collier, who resigned to pursue other opportunities following two years as principal.