As Aiken County Public Schools prepares for the start of the 2025-2026 school year, a leadership transition is underway at Redcliffe Elementary School.
Current Principal Kimmerie Allen informed teachers, staff, and families on June 12 of her decision to accept a new position in the District’s Federal Programs Department as the Teaching Pathway Coordinator.
The District is pleased to announce that former Superintendent King Laurence will serve as Interim Principal at Redcliffe. Laurence retired in June 2024 after a distinguished 38-year career in education, including extensive leadership experience within Aiken County Public Schools.
A 1985 graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken, Laurence holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration (1990) from the University of South Carolina. His leadership roles in the District have included Superintendent (2020–2024), Chief Officer of Administration and Human Resources (2016–2020), Associate Superintendent (2012–2016), Director of Federal Programs (2005–2012), and Principal (1998–2005). Before joining Aiken County, he served as a teacher and administrator in the Edgefield County School District.
“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Laurence for returning to support our schools in this interim role,” said Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy. “His experience speaks for itself, but it’s his thoughtful and collaborative leadership style that I believe will be an incredible asset as we begin the new school year.”
Laurence officially began his interim role today, Monday, June 23, 2025. He will work alongside Principal Allen this week to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
“Stepping into this role at Redcliffe allows me to serve and hopefully to help the school and the community transition to new leadership,” Laurence stated. “The preparation for a new school year has always been one of the most exciting times for me. I am looking forward to that experience while building relationships in the Redcliffe community.”