Wicomico County Public Schools is pleased to announce four administrative appointments that have occurred since the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
Mrs. Chelsea L. Seabrease, Director of Elementary Education
The Wicomico County Board of Education approved the appointment of Mrs. Chelsea Seabrease as the new Director of Elementary Education for Wicomico County Public Schools. She replaced longtime Director of Elementary Education Dr. Susan Jones, who retired at the end of the summer.
“With 15 years of dedicated service in our school system, Mrs. Seabrease has excelled in various roles,” said Dr. Frederick Briggs, Chief Academic Officer. “She started as an elementary teacher and then served as an intervention teacher specializing in both mathematics and literacy. Her seven years of administrative experience at Glen Avenue Elementary and Pinehurst Elementary, including her time as Principal at Pinehurst, have prepared her well for this important leadership position that serves all elementary schools of Wicomico County Public Schools. Chelsea’s unwavering commitment to student success and educational excellence is evident in everything she does, and I’m confident that under her leadership, our elementary schools will continue to grow and thrive.”
Mrs. Seabrease was born and raised on the Eastern Shore, and graduated from Salisbury University in December 2009 with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. Prior to graduating, she began her first teaching experience at Glen Avenue Elementary School as a 3rd-Grade teacher. In 2012, she earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University. She continued to serve as a Glen Avenue teacher, and in 2014 became a Math and Reading Intervention teacher, sharing her passion for mathematics and reading with all Glen Avenue students. In 2017 she was named Assistant Principal of Glen Avenue, serving in that role until she was named Principal of Pinehurst Elementary in July 2021. She has taken part in the MSDE Promising Principals Academy, led district professional development in SLOs and math, served on the Units I and II negotiating teams, and earned a number of professional honors, including Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Outstanding Mentor and WMDT/Mountaire Future Environmental Star of the Month Award.
Mrs. Seabrease began serving as Director of Elementary Education on Sept. 16, while continuing to serve as Principal of Pinehurst Elementary through the end of September.
Ms. Madison O’Donnell, Interim Principal, Pinehurst Elementary School
Effective Oct. 1, Pinehurst’s Assistant Principal, Madison O’Donnell, is now the Interim Principal of Pinehurst Elementary for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year.
Ms. O’Donnell is a proud graduate of Wicomico County Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership, both from Salisbury University. Her strong educational background, including serving as an elementary school teacher in multiple settings, and her collaborative approach inspire confidence in her ability to meet the diverse needs of all scholars through partnership with staff and families. With three years on the Pinehurst administration team—one as Dean of Students and two as Assistant Principal— she focuses daily on ensuring the success of all students and staff, a commitment that drives her every action.
As Interim Principal, she is committed to leading Pinehurst Elementary with the same dedication and expertise that have defined her journey thus far. Having worked closely with former principal Mrs. Seabrease, now the Director of Elementary Education, Ms. O’Donnell is eager to continue implementing their vision with the Pinehurst staff. That vision emphasizes instruction and building strong relationships with the school’s community. She is honored to lead what she considers the best school in the county.
Mr. Matt Jones, Interim Assistant Principal, Pinehurst Elementary School
Mr. Matthew “Matt” Jones, who had been serving as Dean of Students at James M. Bennett High, was promoted to Interim Assistant Principal of Pinehurst Elementary for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year, effective Oct. 1.
Matt Jones was born and raised in Salisbury. He attended Wicomico County Public Schools, graduating from Parkside High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Salisbury University in 2017.
After graduating from SU, Mr. Jones was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English to students in Thailand. Once he returned to the states, he started teaching 5th Grade at North Salisbury School. Mr. Jones then became a Dean of Students at James M. Bennett High School starting with the 2023-2024 school year. While at JMB, Mr. Jones graduated from Salisbury University with his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Mr. Jones now returns to his elementary roots, serving as the Interim Assistant Principal at Pinehurst Elementary.
Ms. Heather Sneeuwjagt, Dean of Students, James M. Bennett High School
Ms. Heather Sneeuwjagt, Dean of Students, grew up in southwest Maryland and graduated from Huntingtown High School in Calvert County in 2010. She attended Salisbury University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2014 in Elementary Education with a concentration in Middle School Mathematics. She also earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University in 2020.
Ms. Sneeuwjagt taught math at Wicomico Middle School for eight years, teaching 6th and 7th grades. Upon becoming a Dean of Students, Ms. Sneeuwjagt served at Parkside High School for two years and for a short time at Wicomico High School. Effective Oct. 1, she has now joined the James M. Bennett High School administrative team as a Dean of Students for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year.
