Lexington Two’s Riverbank Elementary will have a new principal for the 2024-2025 school year.

Nicholas “Nick” Gillcrese has been announced as the new leader at Riverbank.  His hiring was recommended by Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner and approved by the Board of Trustees at its April 18 meeting.

“Mr. Gillcrese is a passionate leader who is excited to make Riverbank Elementary School his home,”  Dr. Hafner said. “We look forward to him continuing the trajectory of improvement for our students’ academic success and well-being.”

Gillcrese is currently an assistant principal in Richland Two at Lake Carolina Elementary School’s Lower Campus, a position he has held since 2020.  Prior to that, he was an assistant principal for three years at Sandlapper Elementary School, also in Richland Two. Gillcrese started his education career in Lexington-Richland 5 as a third-grade teacher, spending two years at Ballentine Elementary then nine years at Oak Pointe Elementary School, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2014-2015. He later served for two years as administrative assistant principal at Oak Pointe.

Gillcrese received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Benedict College, where he was a member of the inaugural Call-Me-Mister program through Clemson University. He also has a master’s degree and a master’s in education in administration and supervision, both from Southern Wesleyan University.

“I was drawn to Lexington Two and Riverbank Elementary because of the innovative and immersive learning experiences that provide students the opportunity to explore their passions and talents, while also preparing them to thrive in a global society,” Gillcrese said.  “As Riverbank’s principal, I am committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where students, teachers, and staff feel valued, respected, and celebrated. I look forward to leveraging our diversity by engaging our families and community at large to ensure the success and well being of every student at Riverbank Elementary.”

Gillcrese will begin his new role July 1.