Dr. Charlene Stokes
Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Charlene Stokes as the interim principal of Whittaker Elementary School for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Dr. Stokes brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in educational leadership, having served in various capacities, including principal, assistant principal, and director of elementary and primary schools. Her expertise in instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and student achievement makes her an invaluable asset to Whittaker Elementary School.
“We are confident that Dr. Stokes’ leadership and dedication to academic excellence will ensure a successful year for the students, faculty, and families of Whittaker Elementary,” said Dr. Foster. “Her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and driving student achievement aligns perfectly with our district’s vision.”
With over two decades of experience in school administration, Dr. Stokes has played a pivotal role in improving academic performance across multiple schools. Notably, under her leadership at Brookdale Elementary School, the
school’s accountability rating school’s accountability rating improved from an “F” to an improved from an“F” to an “A,” earning both Palmetto “A,”earning both Palmetto Gold and Silver awards for Gold and Silver awards for performance and closing the performance and closing the achievement gap. Her lead- achievement gap.Her leadership at Robert E. Howard ership at Robert E.Howard Middle School also contrib- Middle School also contributed to its removal from the uted to its removal from the Priority School List. Priority School List.
“I am honored to serve as “I am honored to serve as the interim principal at Whit- the interim principal at Whittaker Elementary and look taker Elementary and look forward to working collab- forward to working collaboratively with teachers, stu- oratively with teachers，students, and families to create dents,and families to create an engaging and supportive an engaging and supportive learning environment,” said learningenvironment,”said Dr. Stokes. Dr. Stokes.
Dr. Stokes holds an Ed.D. Dr. Stokes holds an Ed.D. in Educational Administra- inEducational Administration from South Carolina State tion from South Carolina State University, an Ed.S. from the University,an Ed.S.from the University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina, and a Master’s degree in Ele- and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from The mentary Education from The City College of New York. City College of New York.
The Orangeburg County School District remains committed to fostering academic excellence and ensuring strong leadership in its schools. Dr. Stokes’ appointment marks another step in the district’s ongoing efforts to provide students with high-quality education and support.
For more information, please contact the Orangeburg County School District at (839) 356-4040 or visit www. ocsdsc.org.
