When Dr. Katie Briscoe first entered her fourth-grade classroom as a new educator, she had no idea that her career in education would eventually take her into administration and lead to exciting new experiences as a building principal.
Aiken County Board of Education members approved Dr. Briscoe’s appointment as the new principal at Silver Bluff High School for the 2019-20 school year during the school board’s June 11 regularly scheduled meeting. Bert Postell, the school’s current leader, previously accepted a new position as the District’s new Executive Director for High Schools.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Briscoe to the Aiken County Public Schools family,” commented Aiken County Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford. “The Silver Bluff community is full of pride and tradition and we believe she will honor both while facilitating their pursuit of excellence.”
“Aiken County has been consistently recognized for academic excellence over the years, and it has a real sense of community that was very attractive to me as I was pursuing this next step in my career,” Dr. Briscoe stated Wednesday. “The secondary level is near and dear to my heart because it is the final opportunity we have to influence students before they enter the real world.”
Dr. Briscoe’s academic background includes a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Gardner Webb University, and a Master of Library Science degree from East Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Brevard College.
She currently serves as principal of Copeland Academy in Gaffney, South Carolina.
“I am delighted to be joining Aiken County Public Schools and for the opportunity to lead Silver Bluff High,” Dr. Briscoe commented. “I am from a small town in Polk County, North Carolina. I have been molded by mentors and my rural roots. I am ready to support the students and staff of Silver Bluff and help them reach unparalleled levels of success.”
Prior to her current position, Dr. Briscoe served as an assistant principal at Gaffney High School and Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary School. She served as a media specialist for three years, and began her career in education as a fourth-grade teacher.
“I started my career in the classroom and that is where my heart will always be as an educator,” Dr. Briscoe commented. “Later, I knew I wanted to have the opportunity to work with all students within the school, more than I could possibly reach in my classroom, so I moved into the role of a media specialist and eventually that led me to consider opportunities in school administration.”
Among her many leadership and professional experiences, Dr. Briscoe served as a presenter during the 2019 At-Risk Youth National FORUM, she has served as a district-level Safety Advisory Committee Member, and both participated and presented during the annual South Carolina Association of School Administrators SCASA) Innovative Ideas Institute.
Before the start of the 2019-20 school year, Dr. Briscoe says she will look to immerse herself within the Silver Bluff community.
“First and foremost, I want to meet with all key stakeholders in the school community to begin building relationships,” Dr. Briscoe stated. “Silver Bluff has a history of academic and athletic excellence. I feel the school is already moving in the right direction, and I just hope to build upon that existing momentum.”
Dr. Briscoe will begin her duties as Silver Bluff High School principal in July.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2019 PR SILVER BLUFF HIGH PRINCIPAL