I want to introduce myself as the principal of Midway Elementary School. I am honored to be part of the Mustang Family. I can assure you that I share the school community’s commitment to providing a high quality education for each student.

I am a father of four and a husband to the love of my life, Michelle. Michelle is a special education teacher at Rocky Creek Elementary. My youngest daughter is an eighth grader at Lakeside Middle School. My youngest son attends Newberry College, my oldest daughter attends USC Beaufort, and my oldest son is currently working at Michelin.

I am a “seasoned” educator and principal. My career has provided me with many opportunities to make a difference in so many lives. I have been part of two National Blue Ribbon Schools and a Palmetto’s Finest School. It is my goal to continue the tradition of academic excellence, provide effective communication to parents and have transparency in all areas of our school community.

My recent conversations with parents and staff have given me great insight into the school's culture/climate. It is clear that Midway Elementary School is a family that values the close relationships between students, staff and parents. I want you to know that this “treasure” will remain a priority during my tenure as the principal at Midway Elementary. To the students, I can not wait to meet each of you!  

I want you to know that I love dogs, legos, art, reading, and I have never lost a race or basketball game to a student! I am all Gamecock, so please no orange clothing. My favorite subject (besides lunch, recess and PE) is definitely Math.

In closing, please know that my door is always open and I am here for the same reason as you – your child. I look forward to celebrating many successes this year. Thank you in advance for your support.

Dr. Timothy Carnahan

A native of Harlem, GA, Chris Bussell joined Midway Elementary School as an assistant principal in 2019. Prior to becoming a Midway Mustang, he served as assistant principal of Gilbert Elementary from 2011-2019. He began his educational career as a band director at Carver-Edisto Middle School in 2000. In 2002, he moved to Sandhills Middle School and served as their band director for 5 years. While at Sandhills, he earned National Board Certification and was named Teacher of the Year. In 2007, Mr. Bussell transferred to Lexington One to open Carolina Springs Middle School. He served as the CSMS band director and the Assistant Director at White Knoll High School until becoming assistant principal at Gilbert Elementary. From 2010-2016 Mr. Bussell also served as the director of the Lexington District One Honor Band.

Mr. Bussell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, both from the University of South Carolina. His professional affiliations include: The National Association for Music Education, The South Carolina Band Directors Association, The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, The South Carolina Association of School Administrators, Kappa Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Delta Omicron. Mr. Bussell is active throughout the southeast as a professional saxophonist and clinician. Although he performs with a number of groups, he is most frequently heard with The Root Doctors, his band for the past 18 years. He also serves as a Cannonball Educator for the Cannonball Musical Instrument Corporation. Mr. Bussell is married to Shannon Bussell, a 6th grade teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary. They live in Lexington and have 3 children (Olivia, Ryan and Will) and 2 miniature dachshunds (Lucky and Lucy).

Bio Coming Soon.

I look forward to another great school year here at Midway! I’ve had the pleasure of serving as an Assistant Principal at Midway since 2020. Before joining Midway, I served as an Assistant Administrator at Sandel Elementary for one year and taught 5th grade at Satchel Ford Elementary for ten years, both in Richland School District One. I had the honor of serving as Satchel Ford’s Teacher of the Year during the 2014-2015 school year.

Born and raised in Columbia, I earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Columbia College in 2009, and a M.Ed. in Educational Administration from USC in 2016. My husband James and I have a 2 year old son, Tripp, who brings so much joy to our family! Outside of school I enjoy teaching Sunday School to 5th and 6th graders, spending time with family, exercising, and reading. 

If there is anything I can do to help you or your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out - esmith@lexington1.net or (803) 821-0300. Go Mustangs!