Today, the South Carolina Association of School Administrators named Lexington High School Assistant Principal Dr. Stephanie Burgess the 2023 South Carolina Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year.

“Dr. Stephanie Burgess is a proven leader whose impact on Lexington High School can be felt by students, staff and the community,” said Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait. “She is dedicated to building a supportive educational community and works every day to empower students and staff at her school to make a difference. We are proud to have Dr. Burgess as a part of the Lexington District One family.”

An experienced educator of more than 22 years, Burgess stepped into the classroom at Batesburg-Leesville High School in 2000, where she taught physical science, biology, anatomy/physiology and physics for 11 years. In 2011, Burgess was hired as an assistant principal at Lexington High School.

Dr. Ryan Pool, Lexington High School principal, said “Dr. Stephanie Burgess consistently demonstrates her commitment to students and educators through her hard work and dedication at Lexington High School. We are so proud that SCASA is recognizing her with this wonderful honor. She is a great example of servant leadership, and we are so lucky to have her at LHS.”

“Dr. Burgess models personal excellence and helps others reach their potential—working to support teachers with meaningful feedback to provide her students with the best possible learning opportunities,” Beth Phibbs, executive director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

Burgess received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Lander University. She has master’s degrees in curriculum instruction and technology from Grand Canyon University and in educational leadership and administration from Winthrop University. She received her Doctor of Education in curriculum instruction from the University of South Carolina in 2017. Burgess holds secondary science, secondary principal and secondary supervisor certifications.

She is a member of SCASA and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.