The Aiken County Board of Education awarded Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy an overall rating of Excellent during his annual evaluation on September 2 and extended his contract for one additional year through the 2028-29 school year.
The Board’s actions recognize the district’s progress throughout the 2025-26 school year. That progress is detailed in the Superintendent’s 2025-26 Annual Report, which highlights accomplishments across instructional leadership, quality personnel, a culture of achievement, operational management, and communication and community relationships.
Under Dr. Murphy’s leadership, Aiken County Public Schools demonstrated strong academic momentum. Seven schools earned Excellent state report card ratings, nearly half of all schools improved overall proficiency, and 88% of high schools earned Good or Excellent College and Career Readiness ratings. Aiken Scholars Academy was also named the top high school in South Carolina for the second consecutive year.
The district strengthened opportunities for students by expanding access to specialized programs, work-based learning, dual enrollment, and career pathways. More than 1,600 graduates earned over $74 million in scholarships during the school year.
Operational progress included continued advancement of One Cent Sales Tax projects and facility improvements across the district. Construction of the new Aiken County Career and Technology Center at Aiken Technical College moved closer to completion, and seven new activity buses were purchased to support student participation in athletics, fine arts, academic competitions, and other extracurricular opportunities.
Additional progress included standardized attendance and truancy protocols, six new social worker positions, enhanced student-support systems, continued investments in employee compensation and leadership development, and expanded support for early-career teachers. The district also began the 2026-27 school year with no vacancies in core subject areas.
Efforts to strengthen communication and family engagement resulted in more than 90% of students having at least one parent or guardian connected through the district’s mobile app and two-way communication platform.
“I appreciate the Board’s confidence and the opportunity to serve the students, employees, and families of Aiken County Public Schools,” Dr. Murphy said. “The progress highlighted in this evaluation belongs to our entire school system, and I am proud of the commitment our employees demonstrate each day. We have much to celebrate, and we remain focused on the important work ahead.”
Additional accomplishments and areas of continued focus are available in the Superintendent’s 2025–26 Annual Report.
Dr. Murphy has served as Superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools since 2024.