Principal

Phone: 803-821-2701

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Julie Painter

Julie Painter was a National Board certified English teacher, a Theatre teacher, and an English/Theatre teacher during her first sixteen years in education with a one-year stint as an Education Specialist for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. She moved into administration as the English Language Arts Coordinator for School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties before becoming the Academic Dean for Innovation at River Bluff High School, serving in that role for seven years. Mrs. Painter spent two years working at White Knoll High School as the Assistant Principal where she was named the high school South Carolina Assistant Principal of the Year for 2020, transitioning to her current position as the Principal at Pleasant Hill Middle School that summer (GO COUGARS!).

Mrs. Painter earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!), a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Education, Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.

She is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).

Assistant Principal

Phone: 803-821-2705

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Ashley Fouty

Mrs. Fouty is a graduate of Gilbert High School.  She attended the University of South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2006.  She continued her education at the University of South Carolina, receiving her Masters in Teaching and Masters in Educational Administration.  

She began her teaching career at White Knoll High School as an English Teacher until 2021.  She then transitioned into her position as Assistant Administrator at Pleasant Hill Middle School.  

Mrs. Fouty holds certification in 9th-12th grade English Language Arts, Read To Succeed and is a National Board Certified Teacher.  

Assistant Principal

Phone: 803-821-2706

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Josh Black

Mr. Black has been a successful educator for 19 years, where he has worked at the middle, high, and district level.

He recently served as the Director of Administration for Edgefield County School District in Johnston, South Carolina. Prior to serving as the Director of Administration, he served two years as the Director of Instructional Services for ECSD and spent twelve years at Strom Thurmond High School, where he served as a principal, assistant principal, mentor teacher, math teacher, and athletic coach. Prior to joining the staff at Strom Thurmond High School, Mr. Black spent four years teaching mathematics and coaching at Saluda Middle School. 

Mr. Black holds a master’s degree in Education Administration from Lamar University and a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education with a major in mathematics and minor in science from Mars Hill College. He is a certified administrator for all grade levels and is certified to teach mathematics.