A veteran educator with experience as a teacher and administrator has been chosen as the next principal at Tryon Elementary School.

At its regular monthly meeting on Monday, the Polk County Board of Education approved the selection of Allison Hardin to fill the leadership position at Tryon Elementary. Hardin will replace Todd Murphy, who is moving to a similar position at Polk County Middle School.

Hardin, who was introduced Wednesday afternoon to Tryon Elementary faculty and staff, brings more than 20 years of experience to Tryon, including 10 years in the classroom, four years as an assistant principal, two years as a Title I Facilitator and six years as the superintendent of Ekalaka Public Schools in Montana. She is currently the Title I Facilitator at Welcome Elementary in Greenville.

“I’m really excited about the chance to come in and work with the faculty, students, parents and the community,” Hardin said. “I look forward to building relationships with everyone who lives here.

“I believe it’s important to stay focused on student achievement and doing what is best for kids.”

An award-winning educator at the elementary level in South Carolina and Montana, Hardin led Ekalaka Public Schools, a three-school district in the eastern part of the state, from 2009-2015. She handled a wide range of duties in that role, including curriculum development, oversight of instructional technology and building-level administrative responsibilities.

In her position at Welcome Elementary, she has helped plan parent and family engagement opportunities as well as analyze test data to improve the school’s instructional program.

“We are excited to welcome Allison Hardin to our Polk Schools family as the next principal of Tryon Elementary School,” said Polk County Schools Superintendent Aaron Greene. “Ms. Hardin brings a wealth of teaching and administrative experience, and a strong background in elementary education.

“I am confident she will be dedicated to our students and community and that she will evidence a strong commitment to continuing the high achievement and student-centered focus for which Tryon Elementary is known.”

Hardin will officially begin work at Tryon Elementary in July.

-Submitted by

Andy Rhinehart