Charleston County School District announced on Apr. 24 that Dr. Keturah Planter has been named Director of Alternative Programs within the Department of School Support and Community Engagement, effective July 1, 2026.
The appointment is significant as it places an experienced leader at the helm of programs designed to provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support for students in alternative settings across the district.
According to the district, Dr. Planter will lead efforts to strengthen instructional practices in alternative programs and support principals in improving student outcomes. She will also collaborate with both district staff and community partners to enhance opportunities for students served outside traditional classroom environments.
Dr. Planter brings over 18 years of experience in education, including roles such as assistant principal, accountability and graduation specialist, and classroom teacher. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Her career highlights include leading Professional Learning Communities, coaching teachers on instructional strategies, developing systems for monitoring student progress, coordinating assessments at state and district levels, and supporting schoolwide improvement initiatives.
Most recently serving as principal at Northwoods Middle School, Dr. Planter focused on strengthening teaching quality and creating systems for continuous improvement among staff and students alike.
“Dr. Planter is a thoughtful, student-centered leader who understands how to build systems that support both students and staff,” said Superintendent Anita Huggins. “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.”
