Berkeley County School District is pleased to announce that Dr. Leslie Howder will continue to lead St. Stephen Middle as the school’s full-time principal. Board members unanimously approved the appointment during Monday night’s board meeting, with Dr. Howder’s contract taking effect on May 6.
Dr. Howder has served as the interim principal at the school since July.
Dr. Leslie Howder joined Berkeley County School District in 2001 as a science teacher at Sedgefield Middle. It was while teaching at Sedgefield Middle that she realized she eventually wanted to become a middle school principal. And 24 years later, she's turned that dream into a reality.
"Being named principal is both exciting and deeply meaningful for me -- especially because I know how much potential our students and staff have," Dr. Howder said. "I’m ready to build on the great work already happening here and to lead with purpose, compassion and high expectations."
Known throughout BCSD for her instructional knowledge, Howder’s resume boasts leadership experience as an assistant principal at Sangaree Middle, Daniel Island School, Berkeley Middle and College Park Middle. She also spent time at Stratford High as an accountability and graduation specialist. Those experiences and her dedication to providing positive outcomes led to her being called to present as an expert at state and national levels on topics like the use of data to improve academic achievement.
"I want to continue to focus on academic achievement by ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction and the support they need to succeed," Dr. Howder said. "I’m excited to create a community school where students are motivated to learn and teachers feel supported and empowered to use innovative teaching strategies."
Dr. Howder said she also looks forward to continuing to build relationships with students, staff and the community as SSM's principal.
"I’m committed to strengthening our school culture—making sure that every student feels safe, included and proud to be part of St. Stephen Middle," Dr. Howder said.
Dr. Howder attended the College of Charleston for her Bachelor's Degree in Education and earned her Masters in Education and her Specialist in Education from The Citadel. She completed her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The University of South Carolina in 2013.