Dr. Cari Maneen has been selected as the next principal of

Saluda Elementary School, incoming Polk County Schools Superintendent Aaron H. Greene announced Tuesday. Currently a third grade teacher at Saluda, Dr. Maneen will replace Ronette Dill, who is moving to Polk County Schools’ central office as director of curriculum and instruction.

Dr. Maneen, who has taught at both the elementary and middle school levels, joined Saluda’s faculty in 2005. She has spent more than 20 years in education working as a preschool director, teacher and instructional coach.

“I am honored and grateful to be selected as Saluda School’s next principal,” Dr. Maneen said. “We have an amazing group of teachers, staff, parents and community members that work together to ensure students receive a high-quality education. I am proud of the hard work and dedication of the Saluda staff and continue to be impressed by the positive impact they have on student learning and student success.”

A Polk County Schools committee led by technology and accountability director David Scherping selected Dr. Maneen for her new position.

“The committee felt very good about Dr. Maneen’s experience, her commitment to the community and her knowledge of how the A+ Schools Program integrates into Saluda and improves their culture,” Scherping said.

“We are pleased that Dr. Maneen is taking over as principal of Saluda Elementary,” Greene said. “We are excited to have her in that position and know she is going to do an outstanding job serving the students and the community.”

Polk County Schools announced in late April that Dill would join the central office staff after serving 11 years as Saluda’s principal.

“I am thrilled that Dr. Cari Maneen has been chosen as Saluda Elementary School’s next principal,” Dill said. “Dr. Maneen’s understanding of the North Carolina A+ Schools philosophy and her passion for education are a powerful combination that will ensure positive learning experiences for all Saluda students in the future.”

Dr. Maneen is a National Board-certified teacher who holds degrees in curriculum and instruction at the master’s and doctoral levels as well as professional educator licenses in elementary education (K-6), middle grades English (6-8), principal (K-12) and curriculum instructional specialist.

“One of the keys to being a successful principal is to treat every child as if he or she were my own,” Dr. Maneen said. “It is important to remember that each child in our care means the world to someone. Understanding and embracing this belief should factor into the daily decisions we make regarding instruction, curriculum, and experiences provided to students. I am excited about this opportunity and committed to working with the staff, parents and the community to afford each child at Saluda School an education for continued success both in school and beyond.”

– article submitted
by Polk Schools