Administration

Courtney Sims, Principal

I am honored to work for School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, which is known far and wide for its dedication to excellence, but more importantly, to children. As a graduate of the University of South Carolina, I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than 16 years. During this time, my experiences include teaching grades three through six, earning National Board Certification, and being recognized as Teacher of the Year. I have Master’s degrees in Elementary Education, Divergent Learning, and Educational Administration. Besides my family, serving Leaphart is one of my greatest joys. My husband and I are blessed to have 3 wonderful daughters.  We enjoy cooking, reading, and college football. 

Mr. Chad Raynor, Assistant Principal

Leaphart Family,

It is my honor to serve as an assistant principal at Leaphart Elementary School.  I have been in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties since 2010 and have served at Dutch Fork Middle School prior to coming to Leaphart in 2017.  Other previous experiences include teaching middle school social studies and serving as an elementary assistant principal.  I have a Master's Degree from the University of South Carolina in Educational Administration and I have earned National Board Certification.  Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family which consists of my amazing wife and three beautiful daughters.  I also enjoy playing tennis with any free time I can find.  
 
  “Leadership is not a license to do less; it is a responsibility to do more.”

                                       ― Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last

Mrs. Emily Perkins, Administrative Assistant Principal

It is an honor to work at Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet as the Administrative Assistant Principal.  I have been in education for 30 years. My past experiences include teaching Kindergarten through Second grades. I have a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College in Early Childhood Education. I also have a Masters degree in Education from Berry College and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Jones International University.  I have worked in School District Five of Lexington Richland Counties since 2004.  I joined the faculty at Leaphart in 2017 as a first grade teacher then as the Magnet Lead Teacher.  What a pleasure it has been to see the transformation from an Engineering school to a STEAM school?  When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 beautiful daughters.  We love Gamecock football, the beach, and traveling to new places.