Dr. Katie Briscoe has been named the new principal of Silver Bluff High School.
Briscoe currently is the principal of Copeland Academy in Gaffney.
Members of the Aiken County Board of Education approved Briscoe’s appointment June 11 at their regular meeting, according to a news release from Aiken County Public Schools.
“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,” Briscoe said in the release. “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.”
Briscoe started her career as a fourth-grade teacher. She has been an assistant principal at Gaffney High School and Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary School. She also was a media specialist for three years.
“I started my career in the classroom, and that is where my heart will always be as an educator,” Briscoe said. “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.”
Before the start of the 2019-20 school year, Briscoe said she plans to immerse herself in the Silver Bluff community.
“First and foremost, I want to meet with all key stakeholders in the school community to begin building relationships,” Briscoe said. “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.”
Aiken County Public Schools' Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford said he is “thrilled” to welcome Briscoe to the district and community.
“The Silver Bluff community is full of pride and tradition, and we believe she will honor both while facilitating their pursuit of excellence,” he said in the release.
Briscoe will begin her duties in July.
Bert Postell, Silver Bluff High's current principal, previously accepted a new position as the district’s executive director for high schools.
