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.
Cynthia Bise of Cainhoy Elementary School
A homecoming is happening for Cynthia Bise of Cainhoy Elementary School. Stepping into the role of principal, Bise brings a wealth of experience which includes 31 years in the district. She has a true heart for children and an established connection to the Berkeley County community.
“Children are my favorite thing in the world,” she stated, and it shows. Bise has dedicated her life to helping students grow both academically and emotionally since beginning her career in South Carolina in 1993. Her experience ranges from elementary to middle school and she has served in a variety of leadership roles such as instructional coach, interventionist, assistant principal and reading coach. Improving student outcomes and supporting the teachers who make that growth possible has been her steady focus regardless of the position she is filling.
Bise is officially assuming the role of principal after previously serving as interim principal for Cainhoy Elementary. She added that she knew when she accepted the interim role that she would love for it to become permanent. Bise has worked at Cainhoy previously and has a legacy of family members who have as well, so it felt like the right fit.
Her vision for the school boils down to the simple principle that she wants students to love coming to school. Bise feels this is the foundation that needs to be built for students to feel safe and ready to learn. Everything is built on loving where they are learning. She aims to foster an environment where curiosity is encouraged, relationships are nurtured and each child feels seen and valued.
Cainhoy Elementary is gaining a leader who fills each decision with compassion and consistency. Her previous experience, vision of bringing joy to those she serves and a desire to grow a nurturing and collaborative community ensure that Cainhoy Elementary is headed towards a promising year for students and families.
By Cari Lawson
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