Philp to serve as KCSD’s Director of Special Services

Kershaw County School District Superintendent Dr. Harrison Goodwin announces the appointment of Dr. Ashley Philp to the position of Director of Special Services effective February 19, 2024. Philp replaces Tarry McGovern who is retiring.

“Dr. Philp has been a tremendous asset to our team, and I am confident that under her leadership our Special Services Department will continue to provide personalized instruction and care to our students. Her extensive knowledge of special education services and her heart for children make her a perfect fit for this position,” says Dr. Goodwin.

Philp joined KCSD as the Special Services Coordinator in July of 2023 with nineteen years of experience as a school psychologist and district administrator in Midlands area public schools. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in school psychology from the University of South Carolina and her B.A. in psychology with honors from the SC Honors College. Dr. Philp has worked as an adjunct university professor and educational consultant, contributed to professional research and publications, and has expertise in special education compliance, program development, and trauma-informed behavioral and crisis interventions. She has been recognized as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. 

“It is a great privilege to be entrusted by KCSD to serve our students, families, faculty, and staff as Director of Special Services. I am excited to contribute leadership and work alongside my talented colleagues to provide the highest quality educational experiences to our students with special needs,” says Philp.

Dr. Philp has extensive leadership experience within her profession and community. She is currently serving on the Developmental Therapy Institute’s Professional Advisory Panel, is a Past President of the SC Association of School Psychologists, has served as a Guardian ad Litem for the Richland County CASA, and has served as Director of the SC Junior Civitan Leadership Conference. Dr. Philp is a graduate of Leadership Columbia, the NASP Public Policy Institute, the Richland Two Leading Up Program, the SC Department of Education’s Institute of District Administrators, and the SCASA Center for Executive Educational Leadership District Level Leaders Programs.