Charleston County School District announced on Apr. 24 the appointment of Bentli Lewis as the new principal of Northwoods Middle School, with her term beginning July 1, 2026. Lewis is currently the principal at Oakbrook Middle School in Dorchester District Two.
The district said this leadership change aims to build on student achievement and strengthen school culture at Northwoods Middle. According to Charleston County School District, Lewis has a record of improving academic performance and fostering a positive environment for students and staff.
At Oakbrook Middle, Lewis led efforts that improved the school’s South Carolina State Report Card rating from Average to Excellent over three years, achieving a 12-point increase in overall performance. She also guided Oakbrook to national recognition as an AMLE School to Watch for the 2025–2026 year and helped earn consecutive Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction honors. Her focus on data-driven decision-making aligned instruction and interventions with student needs while increasing parent satisfaction from 52.2% to 80.2%. She also expanded middle school athletic programs during her tenure.
“Bentli Lewis is a dynamic leader who understands how to move a school forward,” said Superintendent Anita Huggins. “Her track record of improving outcomes, building strong school cultures, and leading with purpose makes her the right leader for Northwoods Middle. She brings both the urgency and the vision needed to ensure every student is supported and successful.”
Lewis was named South Carolina Association of School Administrators Middle Level Principal of the Year for 2025–2026 and was recognized as a National LifeChanger Finalist. Before serving at Oakbrook, she was assistant principal at Summerville High School where she worked on academic initiatives and transition supports for ninth-grade students.
This appointment follows Dr. Planter’s move within Charleston County School District’s Department of School Support, where she will lead Data-Driven Instruction efforts across alternative schools. The district thanked Dr. Planter for her service at Northwoods Middle and indicated that further details about her new role will be shared soon.
