Columbia Star

New Kelly Mill Middle School principal announced



Odora Coleman

Odora Coleman

Richland Two has named Odora Coleman as the next principal of Kelly Mill Middle School.

During her nearly 15-year career in education, Coleman has demonstrated her ability as an instructional leader, a strategic planner, and a culture and community builder. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

One of Coleman’s core beliefs is that “excellence is not an act but a habit. Excellence is not about being perfect, it’s about pushing ourselves, our students, and each other to reach our full potential every day. This means setting high expectations, embracing challenges, and committing to continuous growth.”

Coleman currently serves as the assistant principal at Blythewood High School, a position she has held since 2018. In this role, Coleman successfully expanded course offerings, including Advanced Placement and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, enhancing educational opportunities for students.

She has managed substantial budgets, including a $28.4 million bond referendum for school improvements, showcasing her fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation.

“We are proud to welcome Ms. Coleman to the Kelly Mill Middle School family,” said Superintendent Dr. Kim D. Moore. “Her leadership, her commitment to academic excellence, and her dedication to creating a welcoming learning environment make her a perfect fit for Kelly Mill.”

Coleman began her career as an English teacher in an upstate high school in 2011. She joined Richland Two in 2017 as a Ridge View High School English teacher. Ms. Coleman holds a Master of Administration and Supervision degree from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina Upstate.

This year, Coleman was nominated for the 2024-2025 SC CTE Administrator of the Year. In 2023, she was recognized as a 2022-2023 SC-ASCD Emerging Leader. Her professional affiliations include the Association of Career and Technical Education, the Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, and the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

Coleman is married to Bobby Coleman II, a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force. Together they have three children, Aceson, Amery, and Ameela. She enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, vacationing abroad, and drag racing.

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