Our Leaders

Ms. Melanie Harris, Principal

HEC Families,   

Get ready for an incredible year of learning and growing together! I'm thrilled to embark on this amazing journey with you all. As a proud D5 graduate myself, I've always treasured the incredible education I received in School District 5 schools!

My educational background is a blend of classroom experience and leadership roles. I've spent years nurturing young minds as a 4th & 5th-grade teacher at Oak Pointe Elementary, and I've honed my administrative skills as Assistant Principal at HEC and Chapin Elementary, and now as Principal for my second year. My academic journey includes a B.S. in Elementary Education from Winthrop University, a Master's in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, and a Master's in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Beyond the classroom, my faith and family are my anchors. My 17-year-old son keeps me on my toes with his love for baseball – weekends are often filled with the thrill of the game! We cherish time with friends and family, enjoy escaping into a good book or movie, and cheer on our beloved Gamecocks, whether it's football, women's basketball, or the Columbia Fireflies.

I'm eager to connect with the amazing students, faculty, staff, and community of H. E. Corley. Together, we'll continue to build upon the school's rich tradition of excellence.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I'm here for you!

Melanie C. Harris

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”

~Helen Keller

Mr. Jason Bebber, Assistant Principal

I am incredibly excited to join the H.E. Corley Elementary Leadership and Montessori Magnet. 

I am in my 14th year as an educator having served as a classroom teacher across multiple grade levels for 10 years at both Six Mile Elementary in Pickens County and at River Springs Elementary in D5. For the last three years, I served as the administrative assistant principal at Irmo Elementary School. I presently have obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Clemson University, a Master of Arts in Principles of Learning and Teaching from Clemson University, I am gifted and talented endorsed, and I have a Masters of Education in Administration and Supervision from Southern Wesleyan University. 

As a graduate of D5 through the Irmo schools, I look forward to continuing to support this amazing community and in striving to give back more than I have received. I am married and have two children. I enjoy being outdoors, backpacking, camping, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve and help lead the H.E. Corley students, parents, and staff. I would love to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, and am always open to new ideas and solutions on how to best support our students. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be of service.

Jason Bebber

Mrs. Julie Carothers, Administrative Assistant Principal

Welcome to H. E. Corley Leadership Magnet School, where we create leaders one child at a time.  

I am excited to be part of H. E. Corley Leadership Magnet School.  We, at H.E.C., believe that every child has a genius and that it is our job to find that genius.  John Quincy Adams once said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."  This is my aspiration as an educator.  I am excited about working with your children and discovering the genius within each of them.  

Julie Carothers