[Laurens], [SC] - Sanders Middle School (SMS) in Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55), is more than thrilled to have Blair Neaderhiser as the 2025-2026 Assistant Principal (AP). Neaderhiser was approved by the LCSD 55 School Board of Trustees during the 2024-2025 academic school year to serve as SMS AP. However, Neaderhiser could only begin her role in LCSD 55 this academic year due to her commitment to her previous district.
AP Blair Neaderhiser is ecstatic with the positive energy at SMS. She said, “As Assistant Principal, I aim to foster a positive school culture through strong leadership, clear communication, and consistent expectations. My focus is on building meaningful relationships with staff, students, and families to support student success both academically and personally. I am grateful for this opportunity and honored to work alongside exceptional students and staff.”
Neaderhiser is a graduate of Lander University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (PE). She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Clemson University. Her teaching experience includes teaching eighth-grade mathematics at Clinton Middle School, teaching kindergarten to tenth-grade Health and Physical Education at Thornwell Charter School, and sixth to eighth-grade Physical Education at Laurens Middle School and Sanders Middle School.
Blair Neaderhiser was nominated as SMS Teacher of the Year in 2020-2021. She has proven herself as a caring educator, analytical thinker, well-organized leader, and collaborative individual.
In the first few weeks of school, Sarah Rinaudo, SMS/LMS Strings Orchestra Teacher, has witnessed Neaderhiser living up to the goals she shared. Rinaudo said, “Blair loves the students and cares for the students. She is invested in getting to know our students. She works on building relationships and gives students hugs.”
SMS/LMS PE Coach Morgan Rhodes also attests to Neaderhiser’s commitments. Rhodes shared, “Blair is a positive person and willing to help and get anything you need. She understands the roles of teachers and greatly considers those when making administrative decisions.”
SMS Principal Jonathan Schwalbe echoes Rinaudo and Rhodes’s thoughts. “Mrs. Neaderhiser is a dedicated and highly organized leader who brings both compassion and clarity to her role. She connects naturally with students and teachers alike, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere. She pays attention to detail and is committed to excellence,” stated Schwalbe.
Schwalbe continued, “What excites me most about having Mrs. Neaderhiser as our Assistant Principal is that we are both deeply goal-oriented. Her focus on data-driven instruction will keep our work targeted and impactful, ensuring that every decision we make supports student achievement. As a team, I believe we will continue to establish strong systems that prioritize student safety, academic growth, and a thriving school culture. Together, we are committed to building on the foundation of success at Sanders Middle School.”
Both Rinaudo and Rhodes agree that SMS AP Blair Neaderhiser and SMS Principal Jonathan Schwalbe work well together. “They are both great planners, ambitious, and goal-oriented,” said Rhodes.
Staff, students, and families can look forward to greater things happening at Sanders Middle School.