New chief instructional officer announced for Aiken public schools

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

Sep. 3—A new face is taking over as the chief instructional officer for Aiken County Public School District.

The school district announced the appointment of Dr. Amy Edwards to this position. She has over 25 years of experience serving students and has held a variety of leadership positions at school, district and state levels, according to a press release from the school district.

"I am thrilled to be a part of the leadership team for Aiken County Public Schools," Edwards said.

She previously worked in ACPSD as a coach and mentor for principals in the district and served as the interim principal at Aiken Scholars Academy. Before coming back to Aiken, Edwards worked as a private educational consultant for schools throughout South Carolina.

"I have known and worked with Dr. Edwards in various capacities for more than 10 years. We are fortunate to have her join us in Aiken County," said Superintendent King Laurence.

Edwards has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the College of Charleston, a masters in educational administration, an educational specialist degree in supervision and leadership from The Citadel, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from South Carolina State University.

She began teaching in Andrews where she taught in elementary and middle school before becoming a principal. Edwards went on to work in the Berkeley County School District as a teacher, Title I curriculum facilitator and an assistant principal. She moved to Spartanburg in 2006 where she worked in Spartanburg District Six in several leadership roles. From 2012 to 2016, Edwards worked in both Dorchester and Orangeburg school districts as the chief academic officer for curriculum and instruction and assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

In 2016 she was appointed the transformation leadership coach for the South Carolina Department of Education. She later became an independent educational consultant.

"I look forward to working with Dr. Edwards as we continue our efforts to improve the lives of our students and families in Aiken County," Laurence said.

Edwards' appointment was approved by the Aiken County Board of Education meeting on Aug. 23. She is replacing Jeanie Glover who is retiring at the end of the month. Her first day with the school district was Aug. 29.