The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has selected a Lexington School District Two administrator for one of its top honors.

Dr. Angela Cooper, the district’s Chief Human Resources Officer and Organizational Development Officer, has been named the South Carolina School Administrator of the Year. Dr. Quincie Moore, SCASA’s Executive Director, made the surprise announcement at the Lexington Two district office last week, joined by Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner.

Dr. Cooper has been in K-12 human resources for nearly 24 years, 18 of those in Lexington Two. She has focused on expanding teacher recruitment by seeking out non-traditional candidates, resulting in nearly 50% of the district’s new teachers coming from alternative certification pathways. Dr. Cooper has implemented comprehensive support systems for new educators, including the Lex2Leads leadership development program, and has reduced teacher vacancies by nearly 30 percent compared to the previous year.

“Dr. Cooper’s innovative approach to addressing the teacher shortage and her commitment to developing the next generation of educators has made a significant impact in Lexington Two,”  said Dr. Moore, SCASA’s Executive Director. We are proud to recognize Dr. Cooper’s efforts with this award.”

Lexington Two’s Superintendent praised Dr. Cooper’s contributions to the district.

“Dr. Cooper has one of the most brilliant minds in Human Resources that I know,” Dr. Hafner said.  “She has spent decades training in fair labor standards and seeks to broaden her scope of knowledge on a daily basis. Dr. Cooper understands that in order to grow our workforce, we must work to develop ongoing supports for our staff and recruit and retain the most excellent workforce available.”

Dr. Cooper credited her team as she accepted the award, which was announced on February 26.  

“I am deeply honored to receive the South Carolina Personnel Administrator of the Year award,” she said.  “This recognition reflects the collective dedication of our team to excellence in human resources, and I am grateful for their unwavering support. Together, we will continue to foster a workplace environment that values and uplifts every individual.

SCASA,  the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, has more than 5,600 members. As a state affiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA also works on the national level.

Below:

Dr. Angela Cooper, center, has been announced as South Carolina Personnel Administrator of the Year. She is here with Lexington Two Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner, left, and SCASA Executive Director Dr. Quincie Moore after the announcement.