Leadership Team
Our Principal
Phone: (803) 534-3554 x 25900
Email: Karen.James@ocsdsc.org
Degrees and Certifications:
High School – Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School Bachelor of Science – Mathematics Education Master of Education - Secondary Educational Leadership Educational Specialist - Educational Administration Certifications Mathematics Secondary Principal Secondary Supervisor
Karen James
Welcome to Cougar Nation! It is my pleasure to extend to you and your family a very warm welcome to Carver-Edisto Middle School. My name is Karen James, and it is an honor and a pleasure to serve this community as the principal of Carver-Edisto Middle School. The middle school years are an exciting time when children embark on new adventures in the world of learning. Each year will provide important transitions and the acquisition of new skills that will enhance each student’s ability to apply learning in many ways.
So, what can you expect from the faculty and staff of Carver-Edisto Middle School? You can expect Excellent Instruction, every day, in every class, for every student. It is still our goal to establish a foundation of skills that will lead to academic success at the high school level and ultimately help to prepare students to be college and career ready.
As the principal of Carver-Edisto Middle School, I believe that it is my responsibility to cultivate an atmosphere of Excellence in everything that we do. Together as a school community, we will build on the traditions of the past and meet the challenges of the future in innovative and exciting ways.
Educationally Yours,
Karen F. James
Karen F. James
Assistant Administrator
Email: Johnerra.Alford@ocsdsc.org
Phone: (803) 534-3554 x 25902
Phone: (803) 534-3554 x 25902
Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education, Masters of School Counseling, Education Specialist in Educational Administration, Doctorate of Educational Leadership (South Carolina State University)
Certifications:
Secondary Social Studies, Professional School Counselor, Secondary Principal
Graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School
Dr. Johnerra Alford-Taylor
Welcome to Cougar Nation! This is going to be an exciting school year! My name is Johnerra A. Taylor and I am honored to be your CEMS Assistant Administrator. I have spent much of my professional career working with middle and high school students. I previously taught social studies and served as a school counselor in Orangeburg County schools.
My purpose in becoming an administrator comes from a desire to make a meaningful impact on the entire school community. As Assistant Administrator, I will work diligently with our faculty and staff to carry out the mission of CEMS- Excellent Instruction: Every day, Every class, Every student. As a school, we play an essential role in positioning students for future achievement. Working closely with teachers, parents, and community members to ensure our students are prepared for their next phase of their educational career is a passion of mine. Carver-Edisto Middle School has a long history of being a modeling excellence as its standard.
I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you in person. If throughout the course of the year, you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or phone.
Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy school year!
Johnerra A. Taylor
Assistant Administrator
Phone: (803) 534-5454 x 25901
Email: Melvin.WrightJr@ocsdsc.org
Greetings Cougar Nation! I am Melvin Wright Jr., your Assistant Principal. I am truly humbled by the kindness and warmth I have received as the latest addition to the administration team at Carver-Edisto.
As a native of Huger, South Carolina, a two-time graduate of South Carolina State University, and a proud alumnus of The Citadel, I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the youth of South Carolina. My 11-year journey in education, spanning over two districts (Charleston County School District and Orangeburg County School District), has been a testament to my commitment to students. I started my career as a School Guidance Counselor in Charleston County, transitioned as a School Guidance Counselor at Edisto Elementary School, continued as Assistant Principal at Edisto Elementary, and now serve as Assistant Principal at Carver-Edisto Middle School. I am also the Head Wrestling Coach at Edisto High School. My unwavering motivation to this profession is fueled by my certainty in my ability to reach every child.
On a personal note, my dedication to community-involvement motivates me to remain steadfast and resilient in building a better community, one family at a time. I currently serve as a church musician and a Licensed Real Estate Agent, which allows me further opportunities to empower our families!
I firmly uphold the belief that the journey of a scholar is not defined by his starting point but by his determination and growth. With this belief guiding my work, I am committed to ensuring that every scholar who passes through the doors of Carver-Edisto Middle School leaves with a deeper understanding, increased confidence, and a stronger belief in his own potential. I look forward to embarking on this journey with each of you.
Cordially,
Melvin Wright Jr.