Mr. Packett comes to Stratford High from being Principal of RISE Academy in Dorchester District 2. He is no stranger to BCSD or Stratford High.

In 2007, Packett joined BCSD as a social studies teacher at Stratford High. After devoting eight years of service in the classroom, he went on to serve SHS as the Academy Coach and Graduation Specialist. In December of 2016, Packett was selected as the first assistant principal and athletic director at Philip Simmons High School, where he had the unique opportunity to work alongside design and construction teams to develop, implement and lead the athletic program and to grow a new school community.

From 2019 to 2023, Packett served Dorchester District 2 as an assistant principal at Fort Dorchester High and Summerville High. In July 2023, Packett was named Principal of RISE Academy, an alternative education program in Dorchester District 2.

Patrick Withers has been an assistant principal at Stratford High School since the 2019-2020 school year. Prior to this, Mr. Withers served as a National Board Certified science teacher for 12 years and Academy Coach for 2 years at Stratford High School. 

He has earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Clemson University, a master of arts in teaching from the Citadel, and a master’s in secondary administration from Charleston Southern University. Mr. Withers believes in promoting educational leadership through effective communication, building relationships, providing support, and remaining accountable.  He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife and three children.

Email: withersp@bcsdschools.net

Dr. Mathis Burnette has been at Stratford since 2017.  Before becoming the Assistant Principal of Athletics, he served as an assistant principal and English teacher and football coach at Stratford High.  Dr. Burnette is a graduate of Newberry College and has been in education since 2007.  His previous schools include Ridgeland High School, Lakewood High School and Colleton County High School.  

Email: burnettem@bcsdschools.net

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Robert has been in education since 2007. He has experience in all grade levels from Pre-K through high school and has benefited from every age group that he has taught. Mr. Benvin believes that building rapport with students and staff not only makes an environment culturally advanced, but it allows education to be taken to a higher level. By building these relationships with others, people not only enhance students to become college and career ready, but educators are able to teach them life-lessons that happen outside of the school building.

The golden rule of treating others how you want to be treated, regardless of the history that one has experienced in the past, is how Mr. Benvin carries himself in the hallways. His philosophy is "Compassionate Accountability" as he looks forward to learning about others while making sure that he and others are held accountable for the job that needs to be done at that time.

Email: benvinr@bcsdschools.net

Kelli Farless has worked her entire career in Berkeley County!  She started teaching at Stratford High in 1998.  She has served the communities of Hanahan, Cane Bay and Berkeley. Ms. Farless has 2 kids of her own who she loves traveling and making memories with. Ms. Farless starts every day with a walk.  She loves to read in her free time. Ms. Farless believes that strong channels of communication help to work through most any situation.

Email: farlessk@bcsdschools.net

Prior to being an assistant principal position at Stratford High, Mr. Blackstone served as the Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Dorchester School District Two, where he managed a $1,000,000 budget and oversaw 35 CTE pathways, curriculum reviews and equipment inventories. At a district-level, Mr. Blackstone also worked as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator, where he developed innovative learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic and collaborated with local businesses and neighboring districts.

As a school administrator, Mr. Blackstone worked at Ashley Ridge High and Woodland High, where he coordinated dual enrollment, CTE and early college initiatives. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from The Citadel. His professional affiliations include the South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education and the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

Email: blacklockem@bcsdschools.net