LaToya King named principal of Philip Simmons Elementary School

At the June 25 Berkeley County Board of Education meeting, board members confirmed the promotion of LaToya King from assistant principal at Philip Simmons Elementary School to principal.

Ms. King was moved to PSE in 2016 when the school opened as its first assistant principal. She is the third principal in the school’s short history, following the departure of Dr. Melissa Negreiros for an opportunity to teach on the college level.

As a product of Berkeley County School District, Ms. King said she is excited about her ability to continue to “pay it forward.” While ensuring the fidelity of programs, practices and day-to-day operations of the school, her long-term goal is to have PSE eventually recognized as a STEAM School of Distinction.

To get to that point, Ms. King believes continuing to foster a climate of collaboration between students, staff and the community is a priority.

“Ms. King’s passion for STEAM instruction excites us all,” said BCSD Superintendent Dr. Eddie Ingram. “We look forward to seeing how instruction at PSE continues to evolve under the leadership of Ms. King and her team.

The continued evolution of PSE is something Ms. King says community members, parents and teachers can expect her to take seriously.

“Parents and students can expect me to continue to build a system where students are learning and teachers are growing professionally and inspiring change,” she said. “Essentially, I will continue to cultivate a positive school culture where students and teachers want to be and parents feel welcomed, involved and eager to send their kids.”

Interviews for the next assistant principal at PSE are expected to begin soon.