John Kirell Named Ebenezer Avenue Elementary School Principal

John Kirell, a former principal at Castle Heights Middle School in Rock Hill, has been named the new principal of Ebenezer Avenue Elementary School, replacing Chris Beard who will retire after 29 years with the district.

State health officials will test students at the school Jan. 12-13 for tuberculosis, helping to prevent its spread to other students.

Early Life and Education

John Kirell believes that all students deserve to feel included at school. So in 2014, he successfully advocated for two self-contained special needs classes to relocate from another Rock Hill School to Belleview Elementary.

He has been recognized by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children as Principal of the Year for his dedication to students with disabilities.

Parents of autistic children praised Kirell and his staff for being able to comprehend their children’s needs, creating an inclusive atmosphere at Belleview. In addition, the school has implemented changes designed to reduce anxiety in these students by creating a multisensory room where they can unwind, according to Kirell.

He was honored as Principal of the Year by North Carolina Association for Exceptional Children for his advocacy on behalf of autistic students. Additionally, he holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and an advanced master’s in educational leadership and supervision from Winthrop University.

Professional Career

On Tuesday, Rock Hill school district announced the appointment of a new principal who has been an influential member of the community since his days as a firefighter, life guard and oil truck driver. His numerous promotions over the last few years have earned him a place among their newest class of leaders at Ebenezer Avenue Elementary.

Kirell has received numerous honors, including being named S.C. Council for Exceptional Children’s 2016 Principal of the Year, according to their website. This award recognizes his support of students with special needs both inside and outside the classroom.

Achievements and Honors

John Kirell has recently been appointed the new principal of Ebenezer Avenue Elementary School, succeeding Chris Beard who retired after 29 years with Rock Hill Schools.

In April 2016, Kirell was honored by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children as its principal of the year. His dedication to students with special needs earned him this honor.

Kirell was also among the finalists for Rock Hill Schools’ most esteemed award, the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence. This recognition honors an employee who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to both school system and stakeholders alike. This award is presented annually to one member of staff, representing high recognition among employees at Rock Hill Schools. The successful candidate will receive $20,000 and expenses paid trip to NAEA’s annual convention in Atlanta.

Personal Life

John Kirell is an administrator with Rock Hill Schools and has been employed at Belleview Elementary School for eight years. In April 2016, the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children honored him as Principal of the Year.

After serving as assistant principal at Castle Heights Middle School, he will take over as new principal of Ebenezer Avenue High School, according to Rock Hill Schools. He is expected to begin working there on July 1.

Kirell has won the admiration of parents with special needs students by allowing them to stay at Belleview for several years instead of switching schools each year. Additionally, his teachers were grateful for the training they received in order to help their students be successful, and he successfully guided the school through a difficult transition year.