New Principal named for Philip Simmons Elementary School

In an unanimous vote by the Berkeley County School Board, Dr. Karen Whitley has been named Principal of the new Philip Simmons Elementary School. Whitley, who currently serves as Associate Superintendent of Pupil Services and Program Support for the Berkeley County School District (BCSD), was asked by interim Superintendent Mike Turner to consider the appointment in light of the need for the district to have “one of its most experienced educators open the new school,” according to a BCSD press release. Philip Simmons Elementary School is expected to utilize a cutting-edge STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum as well as innovative technology. Whitley has served the BCSD since 1977 in a number of capacities, including teacher, assistant principal at Marrington Middle School, principal of Berkeley Elementary, supervisor of elementary schools, and chief academic officer. “I am gratified that Dr. Whitley has agreed to take on this challenge,” said Turner. “We are indeed fortunate to have a person with her skills and experience to open this new school.” The board made the decision to select Whitley at their October 27 meeting. “I am beyond excited at the appointment of Dr. Karen Whitley,” stated School Board Member Mac McQuillin, a Daniel Island resident who represents District 2. “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 someone of her caliber in this important position.” Shawna Berden, who is serving as PTA President for both the Philip Simmons Elementary School and Philip Simmons Middle School, also had high praise for the district’s decision to select Whitley. “We are very excited!” said Berden. “We believe Dr. Whitley has the experience and personality necessary for elementary education; this coupled with her innovative thinking and relationships in the community will lead Philip Simmons Elementary School to the top.” Whitley, who is a defendant in the lawsuit filed by Amy Kovach (see article on pages 32-33), was described in the district press release on her new appointment as a “talented elementary educator and expert in early childhood education.” For Whitley, the move to a principalship at Philip Simmons Elementary School fulfills a longtime goal to get back to working directly with students and teachers. “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 had,” she stated. “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 state-of-the-art facilities and curriculum,” she said. Whitley will assume her new duties in January of 2016 to prepare for the school’s official opening in August. The district is in the process of selecting a principal for Philip Simmons Middle School, which will share a campus with PSES.