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A veteran educator with classroom and administrative experience has been chosen as the next principal at Tryon Elementary School.

The Polk County Board of Education has approved the selection of Dr. John Mauldin to take the helm of Tryon Elementary. Mauldin will replace Dr. Cari Maneen, who retired in October.

Mauldin currently serves as an assistant principal at The Cleveland Academy of Leadership in Spartanburg School District Seven, a role he has held since 2019. He spent more than a decade in the classroom as a teacher prior to moving into administration.

“It is an honor and privilege to be chosen as the new principal at Tryon Elementary School, where there is a long history of serving students, parents and community,” Dr. Mauldin said. “My family and I are excited for this opportunity, and blessed to serve in Polk County, where we are residents.

“Tryon Elementary School provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing, guiding and challenging all students to achieve their maximum potential. I look forward to working alongside Tryon’s wonderful faculty and staff, students, parents and community members as we carry out the mission and vision of Polk County Schools.

“I am thankful to Superintendent Aaron Greene and the Polk County Board of Education for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. Go Tigers!”

A graduate of Clemson University who earned an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Converse College and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from North Greenville University, Mauldin began his career as a middle school teacher in Oconee County, S.C. He later taught in Spartanburg School District One before moving into his current administrative role.

“Polk County Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. John Mauldin as the next principal of Tryon Elementary School,” said Superintendent Aaron Greee. “Dr. Mauldin comes to us with experience as an elementary school administrator, and we believe he will serve the Tryon students, families and staff well for many years to come.

“Dr. Mauldin will begin work at Tryon Elementary later this June, and we welcome him to our Polk Schools family.”

Mauldin already has a connection to Polk County Schools as his wife, Meghan, serves as a guidance counselor at Polk County High School.