April 25, 2025

Lexington Schools Embrace New Leadership and Honor a Life

News Summary

Lexington County School District welcomes new leadership with Dr. Stephanie L. Burgess as principal of Gilbert Middle School and Howard S. Denny III as director of student services. The community also mourns the tragic loss of eighth grader Jose Maria Gonzalez-Linares following a bus accident. While celebrating the achievements of educator Corey Bedenbaugh, who was named Teacher of the Year, the district faces this challenging time with resilience and support.

Lexington Welcomes New Leadership and Remembers a Young Life Lost

In the bustling heart of Lexington County, change is in the air as the local school district takes a big step forward in leadership and honor. During a meeting on April 22, 2025, the Board of Trustees made prominent decisions that will guide the district’s future, and they took a moment to recognize the outstanding achievements of one exceptional teacher amid recent tragic events.

Dr. Stephanie L. Burgess Takes the Helm at Gilbert Middle School

Effective July 1, 2025, Dr. Stephanie L. Burgess has been appointed as the new principal of Gilbert Middle School. With an impressive track record that spans over 23 years, Dr. Burgess brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Many residents may recognize her from her incredible 14 years as an assistant principal at Lexington High School, where she earned the title of 2023 South Carolina State Assistant Principal of the Year from the South Carolina Association of School Administrators. Her academic accolades include a Doctor of Education from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Winthrop University, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Lander University. Dr. Burgess is also a National Board Certified educator, specializing in science and secondary supervision.

New Leadership for Student Services

In another exciting appointment, Howard S. “Tradd” Denny III will step into the role of director of student services for Lexington County School District One. Previously serving as the district’s student services coordinator/hearing officer, Denny has a strong background in educational leadership, having worked as an assistant principal at both River Bluff High School and Northside Middle School. He holds a degree in communications from the College of Charleston and a Master of Education in educational administration from the University of South Carolina.

Celebrating Excellence in Teaching

Amid these leadership changes, the spotlight also shone brightly on local educator Corey Bedenbaugh, who was honored as South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year on April 24, 2025. Bedenbaugh, teaching at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School, received a grand prize of $25,000, along with several prestigious accolades. His commitment to education goes beyond the classroom as he founded a mentorship program called “Bow Ties with Bedenbaugh”, aimed at teaching young men essential life skills. As part of his reward, he will enjoy the use of a new BMW for the year and be granted tuition-free classes for a graduate degree at the University of South Carolina.

A Tragic Event Shakes the Community

Jose Maria Gonzalez-Linares was sadly killed in the accident, leaving friends and family to mourn. In total, 38 individuals were transported to local hospitals, with 21 sustaining injuries, while three others required airlifting for more serious care. At least 35 students and three adults were aboard the bus during the incident, and soon after, a reunification center was set up for families seeking their loved ones. To address the emotional needs stemming from this tragedy, counseling services were offered at Pine Ridge Middle School.

Community Support and Remembrance

Support poured in from all corners of the state, with Governor Henry McMaster and State Superintendent Ellen Weaver extending their condolences to the grieving families affected by the accident. As a tribute to the life of Gonzalez-Linares, a vigil was held at Pine Ridge Middle School. Students and members of the community gathered to share memories and show their solidarity during this difficult time.

While Lexington County School District is ushering in new leadership and celebrating its dedicated educators, the heart of the community remains heavy with the recent tragedy. Together, they will face this challenging time, fostering a spirit of resilience and support.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic School Bus Crash Claims Young Life in Chester County
Memorial Services for 13-Year-Old Killed in Bus Crash
Chester County Grieves as School Bus Tragedy Strikes
New Leadership Announced at Gilbert Middle School
Tragic Bus Crash in Chester County Claims Young Life
Corey Bedenbaugh Named South Carolina Teacher of the Year
19-Year-Old Arrested for Causing Massive Jones Road Wildfire
Chaos Erupts at Walmart in Lancaster, South Carolina
Tragic Shooting in Wando Claims Life of Local Teen
Columbia Residents React to Arrest of Registered Sex Offender

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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