Mrs. Diaz finds herself principal of SHS after being named BCSD Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year and after serving as an assistant principal at the school for eight years.

"I am truly honored to be selected as Stratford’s Principal. Having the opportunity to serve our students, teachers, staff, and community in my new leadership role is a dream come true!" -- Jayma Diaz

Mrs. Diaz believes being authentic, modeling core values and humility and establishing positive relationships are key components to being an effective leader. In addition, she said collaboration with community members is a must when building relationships that foster a safe and conducive learning environment.

Phone: 843-820-4000 ext.1012

Email: diazj@bcsdschools.net

Mr. Kohler has been at Stratford as an Assistant Principal for the last six years and is in his 15th year in education. Previously, he taught at Goose Creek High School, Baptist Hill High School and in Washington D.C..

He received his bachelor's degree in Mathematics from The University of Delaware, and a master's degree in Secondary Administration from Hood College.

Mr. Kohler enjoys golfing and spending his time with his daughter Camille and wife Jenna.

Phone: 843-820-4000 ext. 1002

Email: Kohlerk@bcsdschools.net

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.

Phone: 843-820-4000 ext. 1200

Email: withersp@bcsdschools.net

Miss Senfronia Smith is a native South Carolinian, originally from McCormick, where she graduated from McCormick High School in 1992. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Master’s of Education in Secondary Science from Clemson University, a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of South Carolina, an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (Superintendency) from The Citadel and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Charleston Southern University.

Her educational career began in 2000 in Beaufort County and has spanned elementary, middle, and high school levels as a teacher and administrator.

Miss Smith considers herself to be a life-long learner and is passionate about ensuring high-quality educational opportunities for all children. Her educational philosophy since her first day in the classroom is “All children can learn and grow. As educators, it is our responsibility to meet them where they are to give them the tools they need to succeed."

She believes one of the most important ways to do this is to build instructional and leadership capacity in teachers. She believes every teacher is an instructional leader and enjoys collaborating with and nurturing leadership potential in teachers from any level of experience.

Email: SmithS@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

This is Ms. Harrop’s second year as an assistant principal at Stratford High School. She has been in the district since 2002 and has worked at College Park Middle, Goose Creek High, Timberland High, Hanahan High, Cane Bay Middle and Marrington Middle. She taught social studies and Russian before becoming an administrator.

Ms. Harrop earned her bachelor’s degree in Russian language and Russian studies from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree in secondary administration from Charleston Southern University, and an education specialist degree from The Citadel.  She is currently working on her doctorate from Clemson University.

Ms. Harrop believes that establishing a positive rapport with students, faculty, staff and parents is an essential first step in being an effective educator. She also believes that all students are capable of learning and becoming their best selves by working hard and taking risks. 

Phone: 843-820-4000 ext. 1035

Email: harropd@bcsdschools.net

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Robert has been teaching since 2007. He has experience in all grade levels from pre-k through high school and has benefit 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. 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, both high school students. Ms. Farless starts every day with a walk.  She loves to read in her free time. Ms. Farless believes that strong channels of communication helps to work through most any situation. She looks forward to being back with the Stratford community this school year!

Email: farlessk@bcsdschools.net