Say hello to Zack Calhoun, our Employee Relations Associate here at ACPSD! Zack is one of the friendly faces behind the scenes, working to support employees and leaders across the district. Whether he's answering questions or helping with staff celebrations, Zack brings care and clarity to everything he does.
What does he enjoy most about the job? “I love being able to help others. Whether it’s offering support, providing answers, or just being there when someone needs a hand—it’s all about making a positive difference for the people I work with.”
Zack’s approachability and dedication make a real difference—and we’re grateful to have him on the team!
Meet Dr. Richard A. Ball III, Math Teacher at North Augusta High School!
"I chose to mentor to help inspire young teachers and students for the future."
Thank you, Dr. Ball, for investing in the next generation of educators and leading with purpose and passion. Your impact multiplies far beyond the classroom!

Guess what? This Wednesday marks the halfway point of the first nine weeks—our interim mark!
A huge shoutout to our incredible employees whose hard work, dedication, and passion make every day count for our students. You’re the heartbeat of ACPSD, and because of you, our students are getting the BEST education possible!
Here’s to finishing the first nine weeks strong!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates









Feel Good Friday: Induction Teacher Ice Cream Social
Our first-year teachers got the scoop on all things Induction Academy and the supports we have lined up for their success this year! They left with sweet treats, a swag bag full of goodies, and resources to help them shine in their first year.
A big THANK YOU to the Aiken County Chamber of Commerece, our amazing sponsors, and community partners for making this event as sweet as it was successful. Here’s to a year sprinkled with learning, growth, and joy! Pictures courtesy of Allen Riddick, Aiken Standard.






ACPSD proudly serves nearly 24,000 students across 21 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, 9 high schools, and 6 specialized programs!
From neighborhood schools to magnet programs and career readiness centers, our district is committed to meeting every student where they are and helping them grow.
It takes an incredible team of teachers, leaders, and support staff to serve a district of this size — and we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join us in making a difference.
Think about it... where could you make an impact in Aiken County?

Want to help us keep it cool in school? We’re hiring HVAC Technicians to join our amazing team in Aiken County Public Schools!
If you're skilled in heating and air and ready to make a real impact in our schools, this opportunity is for you.
-Competitive Pay
-Great Benefits
-Supportive Team Environment
Apply today! https://acpsd.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5317116
Be the reason students and staff stay cool, comfortable, and ready to learn!

Say hello to Dr. Salvatore Minolfo, our Chief Officer of Human Resources and Administration at ACPSD!
A proud educator, community leader, and family man, Dr. Minolfo brings deep roots and a heartfelt passion to his work. The son of a naturalized citizen from Palermo, Sicily, Italy, and a lifelong educator, he’s continued his family’s legacy of service in education—starting his career right here at Leavelle McCampbell Middle School as a seventh-grade ELA teacher.
Over the years, Dr. Minolfo has taught multiple subjects, coached several sports, and served in roles from assistant principal to principal, and director. Now, he leads the entire Division of Human Resources and Administration, which includes Human Resources, Communications & Community Partnerships, and Administration.
What he loves most?
“I love this District. I work with amazing people who love their work and make a positive, powerful difference in the lives of prospective and current employees every day.”
He’s also a proud father to three daughters—Olivia, Elena, and Isabella—and a lifelong traveler who stays closely connected to his Italian heritage.
We’re grateful for his leadership and heart in helping shape a strong, people-centered culture across ACPSD.

Mentor Monday: Meet Samantha Luzzatti!
Samantha Luzzatti is the dedicated School Librarian at Midland Valley High School!
"I chose to mentor because I am excited to guide a future librarian into the best job in the world!"
Samantha’s passion for literacy and leadership is shaping the next generation of school librarians, one chapter at a time. Thank you for investing in future educators!
Gray skies and rain can’t dull our shine—or our appreciation for the incredible employees who brighten our schools every day!
Thank you for bringing your dedication, heart, and light no matter the forecast.
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates









At the Aiken County Career & Technology Center, students don’t just learn—they build, create, and launch their futures!
ACCTC offers hands-on learning in high-demand career fields such as:
- Automotive Technology
- Cybersecurity & IT
- Culinary Arts
- Health Science
- Electrical Technology
- Firefighting
- Cosmetology
…and so much more!
Through industry certifications, dual enrollment opportunities, and work-based learning, ACCTC students are graduating career-ready and college-prepared—many entering the workforce or post-secondary training with a major head start.
ACCTC is a hub of innovation and opportunity for Aiken County’s high school students.
Future-focused. Skill-driven. Student-powered. That’s the ACCTC way.

Think About It Thursday | Teaching Pathways
There are different pathways to become a teacher. One is through alternative certification in which you must hold at least a bachelor's degree. Another way is through obtaining a bachelor's degree in education that leads to teaching certification.
For questions, please contact Kimmerie Allen, Teacher Pathway Coordinator, kimmerielee@acpsd.net

Work For Us Wednesday | We need you!
Looking to make a difference behind the scenes? We’re hiring custodians to help keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff.
Custodians are essential team members who support learning environments by taking pride in every hallway swept and every classroom cared for.
Join our team of everyday heroes!
Full-time roles available
Great benefits & retirement options
Opportunity to grow and serve your community
Apply today and help us shine! acpsd.schoolspring.com

Say hello to Michelle Lorio, our Certified Recruitment & Staffing Coordinator at ACPSD!
Michelle plays a vital role in making sure our middle and high schools are fully staffed with outstanding certified educators and athletic coaches. From the classroom to the playing field, she’s committed to placing the right people in the right roles.
What drives Michelle?
"I love knowing that the teachers I help place are making a real difference in the lives of students in our community."
Thanks to Michelle’s work, students across the district are supported by passionate, high-quality educators every day!
"I chose to mentor a student teacher because I believe in the importance of giving back to the profession and helping shape the next generation of educators. Teaching is a constantly evolving field, and I see mentorship as a way to reflect on and refine my own practice while supporting someone at the beginning of their journey. Being a mentor allows me to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years, not just in classroom management and lesson planning, but in navigating the real-world challenges of the profession. I remember those that mentored me when I was first starting out with Aiken County Public Schools, and it truly made a difference in my life and prepared me for my career. I hope to be able to pass on the baton in the same way it was given to me."
With a heat index hotter than the school lunch pizza in August; our employees are still SHINING bright!
No amount of humidity can dim the dedication of Team ACPSD. From classrooms to custodial closets, buses to breakrooms, every role keeps our students cool, calm, and learning!
Thanks for sweating it out (literally) and making another amazing week happen. Stay hydrated, stay awesome, and keep on shining!
If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine
#SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates









Feature Friday | July Employee of the Month
Meet Tim Lott, Custodian at Midland Valley High School!
With a heart for service and a can-do attitude, Timothy lives out what it means to be a team player every single day.
“Why not help someone else? I really enjoy pitching in. It's always good to help out. At the end of the day, you just do what you need to do to get the job done.” – Timothy Lott
We’re incredibly grateful for Timothy’s dedication, positive spirit, and willingness to go the extra mile. Thank you for making a difference at MVHS and across ACPSD!

Aiken County Public Schools employs 3,572 employees. 1896 certified educators—plus over a thousand of classified staff including bus drivers, cafeteria teams, custodians, aides, and support personnel.
That’s a powerful community working every day behind the scenes and in front of the classroom—making a real difference for our students.
Join #TeamACPSD and be part of something bigger: purposeful work, meaningful impact, and a career that matters.

WORK WITH US WEDNESDAY | WE’RE HIRING!
Interested in making a difference with a district that values people, purpose, and growth?
Please enjoy this photo carousel highlighting:
Who we are as a district | The types of roles we’re hiring for | Why YOU should join our team | How to apply and get started
We’re looking for passionate individuals ready to serve, lead, and grow with us at ACPSD.
Apply today at acpsd.schoolspring.com





Say hello to Amy Gregory, our dedicated Induction Coach here at ACPSD!
Amy plays a vital role in setting up our newest educators for success—bringing a wealth of knowledge from her years in the classroom and leadership. She also supports training on our educator evaluation rubric, helping ensure continuous growth and excellence across the district.
After a brief retirement, Amy’s passion for teaching brought her back to support the next generation—and we’re so glad it did!
What Amy loves most about her job?
“I get to work with new teachers whose energy and excitement are truly inspiring. I love visiting schools across the district and seeing the incredible talent and commitment in our classrooms. It’s an honor to be part of their journey.”
We’re lucky to have Amy guiding and growing our future educators!

“Mentoring allows me to give back and help train the next generation of educators—not just to be great, but to be BEYOND extraordinary! College lays the groundwork, but I strive to share the real-world tools, insight, and support they can’t get in a classroom. It’s about building confidence, modeling professionalism, and sparking a lasting passion for teaching. This year, I’m grateful to mentor Jacob Shryock from Augusta University and look forward to supporting his journey toward becoming an exceptional special education teacher. “
