Administrative Team

Daniel Neikirk

Mr. Daniel Neikirk serves as Charter School Leader of Allegro Charter School of Music, bringing a strong foundation in music education, school leadership, and charter school advocacy to his role. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Geneva College and his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Charleston Southern University.

Mr. Neikirk began his career as a band director, serving students and school communities across multiple Lowcountry counties. He joined Allegro during the school’s very first year and has been a steady advocate for the school’s growth ever since. After serving as a teacher, he moved into school leadership, where his understanding of instruction, the arts, operations, and long-term planning helped support Allegro’s development as a unique public charter school.

As Charter School Leader, Mr. Neikirk helps guide the broader vision and direction of Allegro while working closely with the school’s board, leadership team, authorizer, and community partners. His role includes supporting financial and operational sustainability, strengthening external relationships, and helping ensure that Allegro remains accountable to its mission as it continues to grow. He also serves on the South Carolina Charter Schools Association Board, where he contributes to charter school advocacy and collaboration across the state.

Outside of school, Mr. Neikirk is a husband and father of two. He enjoys rafting, spending time outdoors, and working as a hobbyist electrician.

Allegro is grateful for Mr. Neikirk’s long-standing commitment to the school and his continued leadership in helping Allegro grow with purpose, stability, and vision.

Jennifer Sauer

Allegro welcomes Mrs. Jennifer Sauer in the role of Principal of Allegro Charter School of Music, bringing more than 30 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to helping students, teachers, and school communities thrive. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the College of Charleston and her Master’s in Secondary School Administration from Charleston Southern University. She also achieved National Board Certification in Adolescent Science, a distinction she proudly held for 20 years.

Mrs. Sauer’s career has been rooted in both strong instructional practice and a willingness to grow with the changing needs of students and schools. She spent nearly three decades teaching science before expanding into educational technology leadership and, later, school administration. Since joining Allegro as Assistant Principal in 2021, she has become known for her steady leadership, clear communication, high expectations, and genuine care for both students and staff.

As Principal, Mrs. Sauer is focused on strengthening Allegro’s culture creativity, accountability, and belonging. She believes that every student deserves to be known, challenged, and supported, and she is committed to helping Allegro continue to grow as a school where music, academics, and community work together to shape meaningful opportunities for students.

Outside of school, Mrs. Sauer is a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of five. She enjoys reading, gardening, camping, and spending time with animals of all kinds.

Allegro is pleased to have Mrs. Sauer leading the school with dedication and a vision for student success.

Charles Raeford

Dr. Charles Raeford joins Allegro Charter School of Music as Assistant Principal, bringing with him over a decade of experience leading schools and supporting students across Florida and Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Secondary Social Science Education and his Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida, and later completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Delaware Valley University.

Dr. Raeford's path into administration began in the classroom, teaching Advanced Placement Government and Economics, and grew from there into roles as Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and most recently Principal of Lehigh Valley Academy Middle School. Along the way, he has coached athletic teams, led student service clubs, and worked hand-in-hand with teachers, parents, and communities to create safe, supportive schools where students can grow.

Dr. Raeford has a special talent for building trust with students, especially those navigating behavioral or personal challenges, and he believes every student deserves a caring adult in their corner. He is equally committed to supporting teachers, helping them grow professionally so they can bring their best to the classroom every day.

Outside of school, Dr. Raeford is a husband and father of three. He and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors with their family.

We are grateful to welcome Dr. Raeford to the Allegro family, and we look forward to all the ways his leadership and heart for students will help our school community continue to flourish!

Skyla Sale

Ms. Skyla Sale joins Allegro Charter School of Music as Assistant Principal, bringing with her nearly a decade of experience nurturing students and teachers alike. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas and went on to complete her Master's in Executive Leadership at Gardner-Webb University. Her journey in education has taken her from Hawai'i to South Carolina, and she has called Allegro home since 2020, most recently serving as High School Dean and English Department Chair.

With her warm, encouraging spirit, Ms. Sale believes deeply in building a school culture rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and high expectations for every student. She has a special gift for coaching teachers and students alike through challenges, helping them find creative solutions and celebrate their growth along the way.

Ms. Sale is passionate about setting goals and watching students rise to meet them, whether that's on a big test or in their everyday interactions with classmates. She also cares deeply about making sure every student has what they need to succeed.

Outside of school, Ms. Sale finds joy in live music, time in nature, and her faith community. We are thrilled to welcome her into a new role of leadership, and we know her care for students will only continue to shine through!