Principal Butka served in administrative roles all over Berkeley County School District for a decade before being named principal of Berkeley Elementary in Jan. 2025.

Ruth started as a physical education teacher at Whitesville Elementary in 2009. She later moved to Nexton Elementary, where she was named Teacher of the Year for the 2014-2015 school year. She has also served as a teacher evaluator, trainer, mentor and grade chair. In addition, during her years as an assistant principal, Butka was nominated for the title of Assistant Principal of the Year multiple times.

Butka became EMT certified through Trident Technical College and studied kinesiology at Charleston Southern University. She also has a Master of Education degree from Southern Wesleyan University.

Email: butkar@bcsdschools.net

Phone: 843-899-8860

Dr. Monique Pemberton Capers is honored to serve as an assistant principal at Berkeley Elementary School. With 21 years of experience in education, she remains just as passionate today about student growth and instructional leadership as she was when she first stepped into the classroom.

Dr. Capers is a proud graduate of Claflin University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She continued her educational journey at South Carolina State University, where she received a Master of Teaching degree, followed by an Education Specialist degree in Administration, and most recently, a doctorate in Educational Administration.

Email: capersm@bcsdschools.net

Phone: 843-899-8860