Charleston County School District announced on Apr. 24 that Dr. Keturah Planter will become Director of Alternative Programs within the Department of School Support and Community Engagement, effective July 1, 2026.
The appointment is intended to strengthen leadership for the district’s alternative programs and ensure students receive academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support needed for success.
Dr. Planter has more than 18 years of experience in education, with a background in instructional leadership, data analysis, and program improvement. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and has served as assistant principal, accountability and graduation specialist, classroom teacher, and most recently as principal at Northwoods Middle School.
In her new role, Dr. Planter will work with principals to enhance instructional practices across alternative programs while monitoring student outcomes and collaborating with district and community partners to improve opportunities for students in alternative settings. Her previous experience includes leading Professional Learning Communities, coaching teachers on instructional strategies, developing systems to track student progress for targeted interventions, coordinating testing efforts at state and district levels, designing benchmark assessments, and supporting schoolwide improvement initiatives.
Superintendent Anita Huggins said: “Dr. Planter is a thoughtful, student-centered leader who understands how to build systems that support both students and staff. We are excited for her to continue this work in a broader capacity. Her experience and commitment make her exceptionally well-suited to support our alternative programs and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
With this appointment set for July 1st, Charleston County School District aims to further develop its approach toward supporting students through enhanced leadership in its alternative education offerings.
