Julie McCombs
Bruce Mathis took over for Greer Principal Marion Waters for a short time during his illness last fall. He crowns Chelsea Jones the 2012 Homecoming Queen in this photo.
Mathis, 12 years assistant principal at Greer High School, is the new principal at Greer Middle School, an International Baccalaureate School.
The days running up to the first day of school on Aug. 21 are non-stop for Mathis and other Greenville County schools administrators. By being promoted to Principal, Mathis’ work year just increased 35 days – 12 months vs. the 10.5 months (210) days as an assistant principal.
“Greer has a rich tradition and I’m looking forward working with the families this year to maintain that tradition,” Mathis said. “When I came to Greer I very quickly felt at home in the community and found it an honor to be here.”
Mathis replaces Scott Rhymer who was promoted to principal at Mauldin High School.
Mathis has been meeting with his staff and will attend district meetings and preview the school’s IB teams in the coming weeks.
When the first day of school arrives, Mathis said his message to parents and students will be pure. “I think it’s important for me to express there are things that I call negotiable and some that are non-negotiable.”
Mathis said the standard has been set and he will expand on them. “Greer Middle IB is on the path to greatness and I want to do everything I can to maintain that momentum. You don’t want to sell yourself short.”
Mathis and his wife, Stephanie, have one son.