40 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com LATANYA BUTLER of Philip Simmons High School LaTanya Butler, the new principal of Philip Simmons High School, is ready to come home. She’s eager to start this new chapter and come back to high school after serving in a middle school. A longtime Berkeley County educator and Goose Creek native, Butler is deeply entrenched in the local community and already has built relationships with students. She brings extensive expertise and a genuine heart for students, families and teachers alike to the role along with 16 years of experience from five different schools including Berkeley Middle and Goose Creek High School. “I have always loved high school,” commented Butler. “I love seeing students through to those final, defining steps of their K-12 journey.” Her passion for education blooms from her belief that every child deserves a quality education. She wants students to have access to an education that not only prepares them academically but also approaches them holistically. Her experience as a mother of three is always at the forefront of her mind and pushes her to ask how parents interact with the school. Her devotion to ensuring the highest quality service to families is evident in all she does. Butler is proud to join a strong school community at Philip Simmons. She feels that she is fortunate to become a part of an already strong community where only minor tweaks are needed to move them into the future. The focus will be on strengthening professional learning communities with a particular interest in end-of-course subjects and adjusting parent communication to best meet the needs of families. “We’re building on a solid foundation,” she said. “But I believe in always asking how we can do better: for students, for families and for staff.” Kory Dollinger will serve as assistant principal, and together they are excited to move the school forward and elevate the spirit, academic excellence and pride for the 2025-2026 school year. Butler reminded students of a simple truth: Strive for your best – not perfection. She is ready to lead Philip Simmons into a meaningful and memorable school year by strengthening relationships with families, students and the community. Learning Curve New principals share their principles BY CARI LAWSON our town
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1