BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Dr. Karen Whitley has been appointed the new principal of Philip Simmons Elementary School located in Cainhoy Plantation in Cainhoy.
According to school district officials, Dr. Whitley will begin her new assignment in January 2016 to prepare for the opening of the school in August 2016.
“When I agreed to go to the District Office, I always knew I wanted to return to an elementary school principalship, which is the most rewarding job I have ever held. I am so honored to be opening Philip Simmons Elementary, and given this position of trust to lead what is already a strong community-oriented school that will boast of state-of-the-art facilities and curriculum,” said Whitley.
Interim Superintendent of Berkeley County School District, Dr. Michael Turner, asked Dr. Whitley, an elementary educator and expert in early childhood education, to consider the appointment in light of the need of the district’s need to have one of its most experienced educators open the new school.
School leaders say Philip Simmons Elementary School will boast innovative technology and cutting-edge curriculum.
Berkeley County School Board Member, Mac McQuillin, said, “I am beyond excited at the appointment of Dr. Karen Whitley. Dr. Whitley was the first principal in Berkeley County awarded the Red Carpet Award by the State Superintendent of Education for how engaging she was of the community. She has also been a leader in curriculum and increasing student performance. Dr. Whitley’s experience and ability to engage the community will allow her to hit the ground running and make the new Philip Simmons Elementary an excellent school for our children. We are fortunate to have some one of her caliber in this important position.”
Dr. Whitley has been a teacher, assistant principal at Marrington Middle School, principal of Berkeley Elementary, Supervisor of Elementary Schools, Chief Academic Office, and Associate Superintendent of Pupil Services and Program Support during her tenure at the district.
Dr. Turner noted, “I am gratified that Dr. Whitley has agreed to take on this challenge. We are indeed fortunate to have a person with her skills and experience to open this new school.”
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