Administration Team

Linard McCloud was named the principal at Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School in June of 2024. He has previously served as a teacher assistant, teacher, an assistant principal and a principal in other school districts across SC. He holds degrees in Music Performance, Curriculum & Instruction, Secondary Leadership & Supervision and Educational Administration. Principal McCloud’s goal is to develop student leaders who are prepared for success in colleges, careers and in life.

Mr. Jonathan Hunt serves as the Assistant Principal at Bethel-Hanberry Elementary. He is passionate about building relationships, supporting teachers, and creating a school where students feel known, valued, supported, and challenged to grow. He believes that great schools are built on relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to helping others become their best.

Mr. Hunt earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership and Administration. Before becoming an administrator, he taught fifth grade at Jackson and Blaney Elementary Schools and served as a K–2 Summer STEAM Camp coordinator.

His leadership philosophy has also been shaped by six years of coaching elementary archery. Through coaching, he learned the importance of preparation, discipline, perseverance, accountability, and leading by example—principles he carries into his work with students and staff every day.

Outside of school, Mr. Hunt enjoys working out, obstacle racing, hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family. He is guided by John Wooden’s belief that “The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.” Mr. Hunt strives to live that philosophy each day as he serves the students, staff, and families of Bethel-Hanberry Elementary.

Dr. Octavia Hamilton is in her sixth year as Assistant Principal at Bethel-Hanberry Elementary.  She served as the Technology and Learning Coach at Polo Road Elementary for ten years before becoming Assistant Principal at BHE.  Dr. Hamilton has been an educator for more than 20 years.  She has taught grades 2, 3, and 5 in both North Carolina and South Carolina.  Dr. Hamilton is a native of Columbia, SC and a Richland Two graduate.  She began her Richland Two career as a 2nd and later 5th grade teacher at Lake Carolina Elementary (when there was only one campus).  While at Lake Carolina, Dr. Hamilton was selected as their Teacher of the Year and one of four finalists for District Teacher of the Year. From there, she transferred to Polo Road Elementary as a 2nd grade teacher in 2009.

Dr. Hamilton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from South Carolina State University.  She continued her education to earn a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education, Master of Education degree in Educational Administration, and her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Educational Technology all from the University of South Carolina.  Dr. Hamilton earned her National Board Certification while teaching in Charlotte, NC and has since re-certified as a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards teacher.

When there is spare time to be found, Dr. Hamilton enjoys reading, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. A favorite quote of Dr. Hamilton’s is, “What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul” - Joseph Addison.  This quote is a strong guiding force in both her personal and professional lives.  Dr. Hamilton is excited to be a member of the Bethel-Hanberry family and looks forward to building meaningful partnerships with its students, staff, family, and community members.