Administrative Team

Dr. Maranda Hayward began her career with the Richland Two family in 2008 as a special education resource teacher at Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary and previously served as an assistant principal at Forest Lake Elementary School.

Dr. Hayward feels deeply honored to step into the role of principal at Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary. "Returning to the school where my educational journey began is a special experience. I am grateful to rejoin such a supportive community and look forward to working with parents, staff, and faculty to create an environment where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential,” Dr. Hayward shared.

Dr. Hayward holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Teaching (Special Education), a Master of Education in Education Administration, and a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of South Carolina. She is a national board-certified teacher, a 2023-2024 SCASA CEEL Silver Strand Aspiring Principal, and a graduate of the 2023-2024 Richland Two Assistant Principal Institute.

In her spare time, Dr. Hayward enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Mr. Brandon Foote brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education. Previously, Mr. Foote served as the assistant administrator for the Center of Achievement and the Center for Inquiry, where he demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and supporting students, staff, and families. 

Mr. Foote has a Masters of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Education in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.

In his spare time, Mr. Foote is a proud husband and father and enjoys board games, basketball, and cooking.

Dr. Melissa Pollard has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education. She began her career in Sumter, South Carolina, as a middle-level English Language Arts teacher. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her contributions to education, earning honors such as two-time Teacher of the Year, Reading Teacher of the Year, and WLTX Teacher of the Week. Passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences, Dr. Pollard strives to empower students to grow, learn, and lead. In 2019, she joined the Richland Two family, continuing to teach middle school before transitioning to the elementary level as a Technology and Learning Coach.

Her personal motto, "Never tell me what a child cannot do." reflects her unwavering commitment to student success and her dedication to fostering environments where every child is encouraged to dream big, persevere, and reach their fullest potential. She is also the author of two children’s books, Counting on Friends and Dream Chasers, which continue to inspire young learners, educators, and families alike.

Dr. Pollard holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Allen University and a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from South University. She earned both a Master’s Degree in School Administration and a Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University.

In her time away from work, Dr. Pollard enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.