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AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, MARCH 24 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Please visit https://www.acpsd.net/page/board-meeting-livestream to view the meeting agenda and access the livestream when the meeting begins. Board Meetings are open to the public, although seating is limited. Our School Board Representatives may be contacted for any questions from our community stakeholders. Their contact information is available from that link as well.

A NIGHT OF EXCELLENCE: CELEBRATING THE 2026-2027 STARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

Tonight, at Aiken High School, the air was filled with music from the Jazz Band and a shared sense of pride as we honored the incredible individuals who make Aiken County Public Schools shine.

As Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy reminded us, our schools are not defined by buildings or budgets, but by the people who show up every day for our students.

We are thrilled to introduce our 2026-2027 District Winners: District Teacher of the Year:

Jerry Brannon (Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High) A master of making complex science feel real and reachable. Mr. Brannon is a cornerstone of his school’s culture, known for meeting every learner exactly where they are with high expectations and a heart for mentorship.

First Year Teacher of the Year: Aleesha Ashe (North Augusta Elementary) In just her first year, Ms. Ashe has created a classroom filled with discovery and joy. Her poise and dedication to her 4K students prove that she is a rising star in the profession.

Principal of the Year: Dr. Charlene Heard (Warrenville Elementary) A visionary leader who believes that when educators are supported, students thrive. Dr. Heard’s leadership is rooted in the deep understanding that meaningful relationships are the foundation of academic growth.

Assistant Principal of the Year: Dr. Miranda Fulmer (Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High) Recognized for her innovative approach to school schedules and structures, Dr. Fulmer balances strategic data with a genuine heart for every student and staff member.

District Level Administrator of the Year: Brian Gibbons (Federal Programs) A leader of steady resolve and integrity. Mr. Gibbons is a vital guide for our principals, navigating complex responsibilities with a calm, compassionate approach.

Professional Staff Member of the Year: Carrie Adams (Hammond Hill Elementary) As a school nurse, Ms. Adams masterfully balances the well-being of our students with expert professional judgment, ensuring every child feels cared for, respected, and heard.

GEM of the Year: Karen Ulmer (North Augusta Elementary) The definition of service. Ms. Ulmer is the first to ask, "How can I help?" and brings a signature warmth to her school community that makes everyone feel at ease.

The evening also included a beautiful tribute to the legacy of Julie Revelle. Seeing so many staff members stand to honor her impact was a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with kindness.

To all our nominees and winners: Thank you for the talent and character you bring to our schools every single day!

Aiken County Public Schools will honor our STARS of Public Education this evening at a special event celebrating nominees for District Teacher of the Year, First Year Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, Professional Staff Member of the Year, District Level Administrator of the Year, and GEM. The evening will culminate with the announcement of winners in each category.

We are pleased to offer a live stream for families of our Honor Court members and others who are unable to attend in person. Please note that this is a simple live broadcast intended to share the experience in real time, and production quality may vary. Visit www.acpsd.net/stars at 6:00 p.m. to join us in celebrating our STARS of Public Education.

Aiken County elementary schools across the district got to show off all things green and lucky to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Activities included bingo, creating a leprechaun trap, guest readers in classrooms, searching for gold and more!

In collaboration with local emergency management authorities, District leaders have been closely monitoring the severe weather forecasted for Aiken County tomorrow. Hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes are possible. Wind gusts of 60-75 mph are forecasted, which exceeds state regulations for the safe operation of school buses.

In abundance of caution and with safety at the forefront, tomorrow, Monday, March 16, will be an e-learning day for students and a remote work day for employees. Additional information on e-learning can be found under the Academics tab on your school's website.

Students who are able to complete e-learning assignments tomorrow are encouraged to do so. Students who do not have a device, reliable internet, or who are without power due to tomorrow's storm will have ample time to complete the e-learning work. Assignments will not be due until March 27th.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Please remain alert for any emergency weather related precautions that may be recommended to keep your family safe with tomorrow's storms.

ACPSD alumni Chloe Lauren made it to the top 30 and competed on American Idol this past Monday, March 9, 2026! We are so excited to follow her on her journey. We had the chance to sit down with her for a special interview to talk about her time in ACPSD, her love for music, and what it has been like performing on the American Idol stage. Check it out below, we are so proud of our ACPSD alumni!

youtu.be/XJeYOmeq6Sk

#ACPSD #AlumniAchievement #AikenCountyPublicSchools

AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, MARCH 10 BOARD MEETING
The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Please visit https://www.acpsd.net/page/board-meeting-livestream to view the meeting agenda and access the livestream when the meeting begins. Board Meetings are open to the public, although seating is limited. Our School Board Representatives may be contacted for any questions from our community stakeholders. Their contact information is available from that link as well.

Make the most of Spring Intersession!

Looking for fun and engaging activities for your student during the week of March 30 – April 2?

From soccer and dance to coding, Lego Wars, and stained-glass art, there is something for every grade level!

Registration is now open for some, and all will be opened on Monday, March 9. Space is limited!

Visit Intersession | District for full details and registration links!

Join Coach Tice and the Aiken High Girls Soccer Team for our upcoming Soccer Training Camp! This is a great opportunity for young athletes to sharpen their skills and make new friends over Spring Break.

• Who: Boys & Girls in Grades 1-5

• When: March 30th - April 1st | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Where: Aiken High Stadium (Teague St.)

• Cost: $75 (includes a t-shirt)

• How to Register: Scan the QR code on the flyer or head over to GoFan to sign up. See you on the field!

Aiken County Public Schools Mourns the Loss of Assistant Superintendent Julie Revelle

Aiken County Public Schools is deeply saddened to share news of the passing of Julie Revelle, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools.

Julie dedicated her life to education and to the students, families, and educators of Aiken County. Throughout a decades-long career with our district, she has served as an English Language Arts teacher at Kennedy Middle School, Assistant Principal at North Aiken Elementary School, and Principal of Redcliffe Elementary School. In 2018, she joined the district’s Executive Leadership Team as an Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, supporting principals and overseeing the instructional and operational work of many of the district’s elementary schools.

Throughout her career, Julie was known as a thoughtful leader and passionate advocate for students. She worked closely with school leaders and teachers across the district, offering guidance, encouragement, and support for the important work taking place in classrooms each day.

Those who worked alongside Julie will remember her not only for her dedication to education, but also for her kind and gentle spirit. She cared deeply about the people she served and supported throughout her career and took great pride in her family, including her husband, David, their daughter Beth, and grandchildren.

The loss of such a respected leader and colleague is deeply felt across the Aiken County Public Schools community. Support services are being made available for staff and school leaders as they process this loss.

Out of respect for Julie’s family, we ask that the community honor their request for privacy during this difficult time.

Aiken County Public Schools extends heartfelt condolences to Julie’s family, friends, and colleagues. Her dedication to students and educators will leave a lasting impact on our schools and the many lives she touched throughout her career.

Attention All Aiken County Public School District Seniors! The future is now!

We are thrilled to host Hire Summit, an exclusive event bringing you face-to-face with employers actively hiring for new talent. Show them you are their next Great Hire with on-the-spot interviews!

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

• Where: Aiken High School Gym

• Sign up and take advantage of this incredible opportunity please contact your school counselor.

This is your chance to turn your potential into a position. Come prepared to impress with your resume, professional attire, and elevator pitch.

Surrounded by family, friends and many teammates inside North Augusta High School's (NAHS) weight room, six student athletes took the next step in their baseball careers with signing NCAA Letters of Intent Thursday, February 19.

These seniors committed to four different schools across the Southeast. Please join us in congratulating the following student athletes who will continue their athletic dreams at the next level: 

• Bren Ivy, Spartanburg Methodist College

• Brady Jenkins, Spartanburg Methodist College

• Landen Jones, Coastal Carolina University

• Wyatt Longe, Emmanuel University

• Sim Lorier, Spartanburg Methodist College

• Dylan Morrison, USC Beaufort

North Augusta head baseball coach Kevin Lynn is proud of these six athletes and the work ethic that got them to the next level.

“I’ve been fortunate to coach these boys for four to five years,” Coach Lynn shared. “To see these kids realize one of their goals that they have had since they were younger, that they’ve worked so hard for has been great. I’ve watched them grow over the last several years and have seen a transformation. To see them earn this opportunity has been a blessing and I am proud of them.”

Earlier in the month, North Augusta cut the ribbon to a state-of-the-art baseball and softball complex. This is a program and school first, with this year’s seniors being the first student athletes to play on the field.

Senior Landen Jones is excited to take in his last high school season with his team, with eyes set on a state championship run.

“We have 14 seniors, so I feel like this year is a big year for us,” Jones, who made a College World Series appearance in 2025, shared. “I think we have a really good shot at winning a state championship and that’s what I plan to do. All of these guys on the team I have played with my whole life and it’s a really big deal to go out my senior year with them.”

“It’s a coach’s dream to see their kids play at the next level and to see them succeed at what they’ve been trying to accomplish,” Coach Lynn continued. “I’m speechless, proud of them, and fortunate to coach these young men.”

Two Silver Bluff student athletes are making their way to collegiate athletics in football.

Gage Kirkbride and Jessie Shelley signed their NCAA Letters of Intent to play football at Newberry College and Union Commonwealth University, respectively, starting in fall 2026.

“These two young men kind of jumped out at me their junior year...their work ethic, their mindset," Silver Bluff head football coach Matt Hayes shared. "Their senior year, you saw a jump in their talents, their work ethic, and what they did in the classroom. They're signing this letter of intent because of not just their talent, but their mindset.”

Gage Kirkbride will be attending Newberry College in the fall and is thankful for the role models he had in previous teammates to help pave the way.

“I think that's what prepared me to be such a great senior is the amount of discipline that they had," Gage shared. "I looked up to the seniors as I was a freshman and sophomore. They helped me out and pushed me to be better."

Jessie Shelley, who will attend Union Commonwealth University, also credits his coaches and teammates for helping push him to the next level.

“Some coaches, they really work, they see a lot,” Shelley said. “My teammates, they really helped push. We push each other every day. They challenge each other every day to make the job the best we can.”

Kirkbride and Shelley join Adrian Gray who recently signed his NCAA Letter of Intent to play football at Brevard College (February 2026).

“I cannot talk about how much work goes in, not just from these young men, but their community, their surroundings, their support staff,” Coach Hayes continued.

One book, two books, red books, and blue books!

Today, Monday, March 2, kicks off Read Across America Week! Read Across America is presented by the National Education Association and plans literacy festivities alongside Dr. Suess's birthday.

We challenge all students across Aiken County Public Schools to pick up a book this week and start reading, and we thank the community leaders who are serving as guest readers bringing literacy to life throughout our classrooms.