Dr. Brenda Hafner

Dr. Brenda Hafner brings nearly 30 years of public education experience and a deeply

student-centered approach to her role as Superintendent of Liberty STEAM Charter School.

Her career has taken her from the classroom to the superintendency, giving her a unique

understanding of what it takes to build strong schools at every level. She began as a social

studies teacher before serving in curriculum leadership, as an assistant principal, and as the

founding lead teacher of a magnet program designed to provide at-risk students with

experiential learning, career exposure, individualized support, and strong school-family

connections.

Dr. Hafner later led both middle and high schools, including Blythewood Middle School, where

the school received state and national recognition during her tenure, and Blythewood High

School, where the graduation rate increased from 86% to 94% during her tenure.

Her leadership expanded to the district level, where she supervised and developed school

leaders across 27 schools, led strategic planning and accreditation work, and built systems

focused on continuous improvement and school excellence. Most recently, as Superintendent of

Lexington School District Two, she provided leadership for approximately 8,400 students and

1,200 employees while overseeing academics, operations, safety, talent, and a $128 million

district budget.

At Liberty, Dr. Hafner leads the day-to-day work of ensuring our three-academy network delivers on the promises we make to scholars and families. Her focus is clear: strong instruction, strong leaders, strong systems, and a culture where every scholar is known, supported, challenged, and prepared for a choice-filled life.

Dr. Hafner earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Carolina,

a master’s degree in teaching with a focus on secondary and middle-level social studies from

The Citadel, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern

University.

Beyond her work in education, Dr. Hafner has been actively involved in the communities she

has served. She previously served as president of the Rotary Club of Blythewood, which was

recognized as Medium Club of the Year. As she continued to become part of her new

community in Lexington Two, she was a proud member of the Cayce-West Columbia Rotary

Club and the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. She also served as a

board member for the Midlands Education Business Alliance and was appointed by the

Lexington County Delegation to the Midlands Regional Education Center Advisory Board, which serves the Department of Employment and Workforce. In addition, Dr. Hafner has served on the Board of Directors for Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union since 2024.

With deep ties to Sumter and a longstanding familiarity with Liberty's mission, Dr. Hafner brings

both experience and a fresh perspective to this next season of growth. As Liberty continues

building toward a full K–12 pathway, she is helping ensure that our growth never comes at the

expense of what matters most—delivering #TheLibertyDifference for every scholar, every day.

Forward Focused. Rooted to Rise.