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ACPSD Announces New Superintendent

Aiken County, S.C. – The District’s Chief Officer of Operations and Student Services Dr. Corey Murphy will take on an even larger role beginning in the 2024-25 school year as Superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools.

“I consider this to be the honor of my life,” the veteran educator and Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel commented.

Murphy has served in public education for 26 years; the last four in Aiken County where he has worked closely with classified staff, who he calls some of Aiken County’s greatest heroes.

“Those that drive our buses, clean the hallways, fix the computers, repair the air conditioning, administer medications, build the schools, maintain the playgrounds…” he shared. “All employees have value and should be treated and compensated as such.”

In addition to operations experience, Murphy is no stranger to the classroom. He previously taught Chemistry at Eau Clare High School in Columbia (1997-1999) and, later, Biology for the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice from 1999-2003.

Notice of Special Election March 26

The Aiken County Board of Elections announces the Special Election for the Town of Wagener. The following office shall be included in the Town of Wagener Special Election. The precinct fixed by law in the County on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

Town Council Seat 4 At-Large (unexpired term)

Filing Fee for Seat 4 Town Council is $15.00

This is a nonpartisan election and no party affiliation shall be placed on the ballot.

Filing opens Friday January 19, 2024 at Wagener Town Hall, 100 Railroad Ave. E at 12 noon.

Filing closes Monday January 29, 2024 at Wagener Town Hall, 100 Railroad Ave. E at 12 noon.

Wagener Precinct 39 Polling Location: Courtney Senior Center, 49 Roy Street, Wagener, SC.

The Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections plans to open absentee envelopes at 10:00 a.m. on Election Day, at the Aiken County Government Center, The Aiken County Board of Registration and Elections, 1930 University Parkway, Ste. 1200.

On Friday, March 29, 2024 at 8:45 a.m., the Aiken County Board of Canvassers will hold a hearing to determine the validity of all challenged ballots cast in this election. The hearing will be held at the Aiken County Government Center, Aiken County Board of Voter Registration and Elections located at 1930 University Parkway, Ste. 1036, Aiken SC, 29801.

ACPSD Announces Candidates for Superintendent

Aiken, S.C. – In their search for a new District Superintendent ahead of the planned retirement of current Aiken County Public School leader King Laurence effective June 30, 2024, the Aiken County Public School Board of Trustees has moved forward in this process with their vote this evening to narrow the pool of applicants to three superintendent candidate finalists, which include Dr. Chan Anderson, Dr. Amy Morris Edwards, and Dr. Corey Murphy.

“I have been pleased with the caliber of applicants to select from and am confident that the right candidate to serve as Aiken County’s next educational leader is among the group of finalists,” Aiken County School Board Chairman Cam Nuessle commented.

The search for the District’s next superintendent is being led by the South Carolina School Board’s Association (SCSBA). The SCSBA has provided a brief bio on each candidate, which is included below. The Curriculum Vitae for each Superintendent Candidate Finalist is attached.

 

ACPSD to offer restaurant-quality lunch and breakfast at no cost to all students

Parents in Aiken County can mark lunchbox off the back to school shopping list. When school starts on July 25, every school in the District will offer delicious, chef-created breakfasts and lunches at no cost for every student each day that school is in session.

A growing number of schools in Aiken County have offered no cost breakfast and lunch to its students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the last several years. The revamped program, featuring made-from-scratch recipes, executive chef-led trainings and student-approved menu options, is expected to transform the meaning of “school food” in Aiken County, and now with all schools classified as CEP, participation is expected to skyrocket.

Employees in the District’s School Food Service Department have embraced the extensive training this summer, learning enhanced safety, customer service and culinary skills. Presentation is key; Food Service professionals will be dressed in new uniforms, aprons, and hats provided by Chartwells as they prepare and serve new menu options as visually-appealing as they are tasty to students as their customers.

“Students will feel more like they are visiting a restaurant or café, than a school cafeteria,” explained Polly Peyinghaus, District Coordinator for School Food Service. Peyinghaus is new to the District as well and brings a unique passion for school nutrition and a work history of food service in education, as well as in restaurants. She is working hand-in-hand with Chartwells’ Resident District Manager Howard Grinberg to train and prepare to introduce new recipes, allow students to share their feedback, and implement other changes to enhance students’ mealtime experience.

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