Aiken public schools getting ready for start of school year

Stephanie Hill, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Aug. 10—There is less than a week until school starts for Aiken County Public School District .

"As always I'm looking forward to just the excitement and the atmosphere of students coming back to school," said Aiken County schools Superintendent King Laurence. "This is the first school year since the pandemic that feels normal... I realize that COVID is still out there and we're going to have to deal with it, but I think that most of us have come to terms with it. We recognize that it's something that we live with like the flu and other diseases and we're just going to move forward."

With the start of the new school year, Laurence said he feels good about things the school district has in place to help ensure the safety of the staff and students.

"I feel good about some of the initiatives we have in place with our security and emergency management director," Laurence said. "I feel good about our audio enhancement systems going into our schools that are going to provide a higher level of security and safety for our students and teachers. But also, enhance instruction. Anytime you're able to make things safer and make instruction more efficient and better for students, I think it's a complete win for us. Those are some of the things I really feel good about."

As for what anything last minute he wants parents to know, Laurence said that educating students is a "team effort" and everyone, from community members to parents and teachers need to work together.

"Everybody has to work together to make sure that our students get what they need," Laurence said. "So I encourage everybody to take that very seriously, and I think we can have a great year."

During the Aiken County Board of Education meeting, Cameron Nuessle, the board vice-chair, urged everyone to pay attention when on the road next week.

"School buses in South Carolina will start rolling next week... start your trip to work a little bit earlier, take your time, watch out for buses, kids on the side of the road and things like that," Nuessle said.

New principals and assistant principals were recognized during the school board meeting.

Those recognized include Aiken High School Principal Alisa Hamrick, Gloverville Assistant Principal Kristle Golden, Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School Principal Carla Dupert, Jackson STEM Magnet Middle Assistant Principal Kishni Neville, Kennedy Middle School Assistant Principal Thurston Williams, Leavelle McCampbell Middle School Assistant Principal Devone McKie, North Augusta High School Assistant Principal Casey Crane, North Augusta High School Assistant Principal Jasmine Scott, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High School Assistant Principal William Derden, Schofield Middle Principal Sidney Johnson, Schofield Middle School Assistant Principal Latonia Evans, Schofield Middle School Assistant Principal Gene Bush, South Aiken High School Assistant Principal Matt Shepler, and New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet Assistant Principal Jonyetta Thomas.