Executive Directors
In alignment with principal supervisor research conducted by Vanderbilt University and Mathematica Policy Research, and the University of Washington's DL2 Principal Supervisor Performance Standards, Beaufort County School District executive directors supervise our district principals with a focus on instructional leadership.
With a combined 60 years of cumulative experience serving in our school district, Mona Lise Dickson, Ed.D., Celestine LaVan, Ed.D., and Melissa Pender are tasked with a portfolio of schools to effect change and liaise between the district office and their assigned schools. Their exposure and presence affords them both central office and school-based perspectives, ensuring policies and procedures are effective and efficient.
Their No.1 priority is to ensure principals have what they need to move student learning and achievement forward.
— Dr. Frank Rodriguez, Superintendent
Email Dr. LaVan or call
843-812-2438
Melissa Pender
Executive Director of Schools
Melissa Pender serves as the Executive Director of Schools, overseeing a portfolio of schools where she provides strategic leadership and supports principals with a strong focus on instructional excellence. An accomplished educational leader, Pender has dedicated 28 years of service to the Beaufort County School District and was honored as the 2024-2025 District Principal of the Year.
Since beginning her career with the district in 1997, Pender has demonstrated a deep commitment to student achievement and school improvement. Most recently, as principal of Coosa Elementary School, she led the school to significant accomplishments, including being named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023 and earning the prestigious Leader in Me Legacy School designation in 2025—an honor awarded to only 28 schools nationwide.
Pender earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina, followed by a Master of Arts in Integration of Technology into Education from Lesley University, and a Master of Arts in Elementary Administration from the University of South Carolina. In addition to her dedication to Beaufort County Schools, Pender has been appointed by Rep. Shannon Erickson, Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, to serve on the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC) for the term spanning 2024 to 2028.
Celestine LaVan, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Schools
Celestine Lavan is an accomplished educational leader with over two decades of experience driving student success, enhancing instructional quality, and overseeing school operations. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Schools for Beaufort County School District, she provides leadership for elementary and middle schools.
Dr. Lavan’s prior roles include serving as Director for Elementary and Middle Schools in Darlington County, Principal of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, and Principal of Joseph Shanklin Elementary, where she led the school to earn Leader in Me Lighthouse status and secured Palmetto Gold and Silver awards for Growth and Achievement.
A United States Navy Veteran and lifelong learner, Dr. Lavan holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University and certifications including Lean Six Sigma and SHRM People Manager Qualification. She is also an adjunct professor of Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction. She was awarded the SC Educator of Excellence by the South Carolina Association of Black School Educators in 2019.
Dr. Lavan’s leadership reflects her commitment to fostering innovative learning environments and supporting the success of educators and students alike.