Lexington One school district board of trustees approved 22 staffing recommendations for the upcoming school year at the June 27 special called meeting. After exiting executive session, the board made an approval for 20 certified staff and two administrative recommendations.
Among those employment recommendations are a principal and assistant principal for Lexington Elementary School. Patrick Burnett makes the move from Centerville Elementary principal to Lexington Elementary principal while Cynthia Laizer will be an assistant principal. Laizer worked in the Beaufort County School District for 26 years.
Lexington Elementary’s former principal Lori Meyers’ exit was announced by Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait around June 5 in a letter to families. In the letter, Postlewait said Meyers “is leaving her position as principal to pursue other professional opportunities.”
Burnett has been with Centerville Elementary since its opening in 2020 where he started as assistant principal. Prior to Centerville Elementary he taught for six years at Meadow Glen Middle School and has coached football and basketball at River Bluff High School and Meadow Glen Middle School.
He received his bachelor’s in elementary education and master’s of education both from the University of South Carolina and has certifications in elementary and middle level administrative and education.
In a release from the school district, Postlewait stated, “Mr. Burnett is a vibrant leader who is passionate about education and committed to student success. During his time as an assistant principal and teacher in our district, he has gained vital experience in both the instructional and operational aspects of leading a school, learning from some of our district’s most seasoned principals.”
Laizer has 27 years of experience in education where she recently worked as a behavior interventionist at Lexington One. Prior to her most recent position, she worked at Beaufort County School District serving as an assistant principal, instructional coach, teacher and interventionist.
She holds a bachelor’s in elementary education from King’s College and two master’s in literacy curriculum development and educational administration. She is also certified in elementary administration and elementary and early childhood education.