Lexington Two Superintendent to retire at end of school year
Photo Courtesy: Lexington Two
WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Lexington School District Two Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner says she’ll be retiring at the end of the current 2025-2026 school year.
Hafner holds a career of nearly 30 years in South Carolina schools as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and superintendent.
The board announced Dr. Hafner’s retirement at the conclusion of Thursday’s board meeting.
Dr. Hafner, who has been with Lexington Two since July 2022, said due to some recent challenges, her family “must take priority.” Her retirement will be effective June 30, 2026.
“This retirement decision has been incredibly difficult,” Dr. Hafner said in an email Friday to Lexington Two employees. “I have had many wonderful opportunities and experiences in my education career, and I would dare say the role of Lexington Two Superintendent is at the top of that list.”
In announcing Dr. Hafner’s retirement, chairman Kevin Key, says, “Dr. Hafner has done great work in our district, evidenced most recently by the growth our students have shown in the recent rounds of SC READY testing as well as SC State Report Cards,” Key said. “She has been a true champion for growing academic opportunities for students at all levels, promoting college and career offerings at the high schools and Innovation Center, and expanding our fine arts programs. Most of all, though, Dr. Hafner is a true champion of our children, this district, and the greater community.”
Key announced at Thursday’s board meeting that Dr. Angela Cooper, the district’s Chief Human Resource and Organizational Development Officer, will serve as “Superintendent Designee” anytime Dr. Hafner may need to be away from the office in coming months. Dr. Cooper, who has been at Lexington Two for 18 years and assisted informally between superintendent hires in the past, was recently honored with the national Personnel Administrator of the Year Award from the American Association of School Personnel Administrators.
No decisions have been made at this time regarding a permanent hire after Dr. Hafner’s departure next June.
“This community is so special,” Dr. Hafner says, adding, “with great school and district leadership, great teachers and staff, and amazing students. It has been an honor.”
