As we begin the second quarter of the 2026–2027 school year, I am encouraged by the progress we're making across Aiken County Public Schools and grateful for the continued dedication of our students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners.

The recently released 2026 South Carolina School Report Cards give us much to celebrate. Nearly half of our schools (48.8%) earned Good or Excellent overall ratings, our second-highest percentage in 20 years. For the second consecutive year, no district schools received an Unsatisfactory rating. Five schools earned Excellent overall ratings, and we saw encouraging gains in academic achievement across our elementary, middle, and high schools. These results reflect the hard work taking place in our classrooms and our continued focus on helping every student succeed.

We also celebrated Aiken Scholars Academy's recognition as the No. 1 high school in South Carolina and the Augusta-Aiken area for the second consecutive year, ranking 14th nationally by U.S. News & World Report. We remain proud to be home to the 2027 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, Dr. Christie Palladino, whose accomplishments reflect the exceptional educators serving students throughout our district.

Beyond the classroom, we're continuing to invest in the future of our schools. Recent milestones include the groundbreaking for major improvements at South Aiken High School and the dedication of the new athletic complex at Wagener-Salley High School. We're also working closely with families and community members as we develop our next strategic plan, ensuring that the priorities guiding our district reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.

While these accomplishments are worth celebrating, we know there is more work ahead. As we move through the second quarter, our focus remains on strengthening instruction, supporting our educators, expanding opportunities for students, and preparing graduates for success beyond high school.

Thank you for the many ways you support Aiken County Public Schools. I look forward to all we will accomplish together during the remainder of this school year.

— Dr. Corey Murphy, Superintendent